Potential of Renewable Energy in Jamaica’s Power Sector: Feasibility Analysis of Biogas Production for Electricity Generation

Sustainable solar energy deployment: a multi-criteria decision-making approach for site suitability and greenhouse gas emission reduction

Conventional power generation methods have led to adverse environmental impacts. Thus, the need for a strategic transition to alternative energy sources arises. This study presents a comprehensive approach to sustainable solar energy deployment using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. The research aims to identify suitable sites for utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, estimate potential energy output, and assess solar PV deployment's environmental and economic impacts. The methodology integrates analytic hierarchy process (AHP), fuzzy logic, and geographic information systems (GIS) to evaluate land suitability across four scenarios. The analysis considers technical, economic, environmental, and social factors, including solar radiation, proximity to infrastructure, land use, topography, and stakeholder opinions. Results reveal that Scenario 1 analytic hierarchy process multi-criteria-decision-making (AHP-MCDM) identified 2824.1 km2 of suitable land, while the combined approach in Scenario 3 yielded 666.9 km2. The study estimates potential annual energy generation ranging from 19.69 to 109.15 GWh/km2/year, depending on the scenario and solar PV technology used. Environmental impact assessments indicate potential annual CO2 emission reductions of up to 51,365.84 tons, with associated cost savings of US $3.28 million. The research provides valuable insights for policymakers and investors, highlighting 16 optimal sites for utility-scale solar farm development across Jamaica, with the most promising in the Westmoreland, Manchester, and St. Mary parishes. These findings contribute to Jamaica's renewable energy goals and offer a replicable, sustainable solar energy planning framework in similar geographical contexts.

Biodigestion System Made of Polyethylene and Polystyrene Insulator for Dog Farm (on the Example of the Republic of Chile)

Anaerobic digestion is a system that can have a high environmental impact through the use of different wastes to obtain biogas and its consequent use for the generation of renewable energy. The objective of this study was to implement a polyethylene biodigester, using polystyrene for thermal insulation in a dog kennel, using canine feces collected in the same place during a period of 5 months to obtain biogas and energy. The results indicated that biogas production started on day 30 and stopped during the winter period with low temperatures; therefore, from day 54 onwards, equine manure was added to continue producing biogas. Although biogas was obtained, the biodigester did not function optimally, due to the fact that the materials used in its construction did not provide efficient insulation from the low external temperatures; the low C/N ratio of the canine feces, which led to a reduction in the processing of the methanogenic bacteria; and the low amount of feces collected for use. In general, the use of a biodigester can provide a tool for the biological processing and management of organic waste, yielding a cumulative source of renewable energy and ensuring environmental safety.