Date of Award
5-28-2025
Publication Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.Sc.
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Keywords
Anaerobic Digestion; Economic Assessment; Organic Waste; Renewable energy; Rnewable Natural Gas
Supervisor
Rajeev Ruparathna
Supervisor
Edwin Tam
Rights
info:eu-repo/semantics/embargoedAccess
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Abstract
This thesis explores the economic analysis of producing Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) through anaerobic digestion of organic waste available in Southern Ontario. The economic analysis employs Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) to evaluate the feasibility and profitability of implementing anaerobic digestion technologies. By comprehensively examining current practices, potential improvements, and economic viability, this study aims to provide RNG producers with insights into how this process can generate profits while contributing to sustainable waste management and energy production. The CBA method assesses the costs associated with anaerobic digestion, including installation, operation, and maintenance, alongside the benefits such as reduced waste disposal costs, greenhouse gas emission reductions, revenue from RNG sales, carbon credits, and tipping fees. By integrating environmental and economic perspectives, this research highlights the crucial role of this technology in advancing both environmental sustainability and economic development in Ontario. The findings suggest that with the proper use of feedstocks produced in Southern Ontario and supporting policies, anaerobic digestion could become a key solution for managing organic waste and generating clean energy, thereby supporting the province's environmental and economic goals.
Recommended Citation
Llanos, Mariuxi, "Cost-Benefit Analysis of Anaerobic Digestion in Southern Ontario: A Case Study" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 9752.
https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/etd/9752