Assessment of the Post-Closure Energy Potential of the Former Akouédo Landfill (Abidjan) Using a First-Order Decay Kinetic Model

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess, through a comparative modeling approach, the production and energy recovery potential of residual biomethane from the Akouédo landfill, which was closed earlier in 2018, located in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), using the LandGEM 3.02 and IPCC 2006 first-order decay models. The study adopts a comparative approach to estimate the methane volumes generated over a 40-year post-closure period following the official closure of the landfill in 2018. The methodology involves using the physical and mass characteristics of municipal solid waste (MSW) to input into the models and estimate the volumes of biogas produced. The results show that biogas production remains significant for several decades, with a peak of 288 GWh/year in 2019, allowing the installation of a cogeneration plant with a maximum capacity of 24.8 MW according to the IPCC model and 10.8 MW according to the LandGEM model. Even by 2038, the available biogas could generate approximately 6 MW, confirming the long-term viability of a valorization system. This study underscores the importance of modeling post-closure emissions and highlights the urgency of installing an on-site cogeneration unit to capture, valorize, and control residual methane emissions. In the context of sustainable urban development, this approach can reconcile the energy transition, greenhouse gas emission reduction, environmental security of the urban infrastructure, and the development of a sustainable urban environment. This study also highlights the broader implications for energy policy and climate mitigation in Sub-Saharan Africa. By demonstrating the potential for energy recovery from landfill methane, it provides valuable insights into integrating waste-to-energy solutions into sustainable urban development strategies. Such initiatives not only support the energy transition and reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also promote environmental security, offering a comprehensive approach to addressing key challenges in the region's long-term energy and climate goals.