Integrated Life Cycle and Techno‐Economic Assessment of Rice Husk Gasification as a Low‐Carbon Alternative to Coal Power

As energy demand grows, sustainable solutions are required to mitigate climate consequences and improve energy security. This study includes the comparative life cycle assessment and life cycle costing of electricity production from rice husk gasification and traditional coal power electricity, based on a cradle‐to‐gate system boundary and a functional unit of 1 kWh. The results show that rice husk‐based electricity significantly reduces the environmental impacts compared to coal‐based electricity. The global warming potential (GWP) and fossil depletion (FDP) of coal‐based electricity were estimated at 0.0325 kg CO 2 eq and 3.08 kg oil eq, respectively, while rice husk was 0.00767 kg CO 2 eq and 0.644 kg oil eq, respectively. This represents reductions of around 76% in GWP and 79% in FDP. According to the contribution analysis, the most important hotspot in both rice husk‐based electricity and coal‐based electricity was the power plant operating phase, as it causes major environmental impacts. The economic assessment showed that rice husk gasification is more financially viable than coal‐based power, with a net present value (NPV) of USD 8.65 million, an IRR of 43%, and a 2‐year payback period, whereas coal electricity has a negative NPV (‐USD 1.15 million), a low IRR (5.8%), and a 14‐year payback period. Rice husk‐based power helps achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 7, 12, and 13) by promoting clean energy, ethical consumption, and climate action.