Objetivo: Estimar la energía disponible para generar electricidad a partir de biogás de vertedero utilizando el modelo LandGEM adaptado a las condiciones locales de Montería, Colombia. Metodología: Para ello se obtiene de base de datos y estudios la información del relleno sanitario de residuos Loma Grande ubicado en la ciudad de Montería, volumen de residuos, clima y composición de residuos para el periodo 2016-2028, para aplicar el modelo LandGEM a la producción de energía de biogás. Resultados: se observó que solo para el año 2022 la cantidad de metano calculada es de 9.984.000 m³/año y con esto la energía estimada total es de 268.4968 MWh, que podría suministrar los requerimientos del relleno sanitario Loma grande. Conclusión: El estudio predice que estos modelos de evaluación se pueden utilizar para planificar la producción de energía a partir de gas de vertedero, y así, aprovechar la propiedad de terrenos improductivos que normalmente se utilizarían como vertedero y que se crearon previamente para materiales contaminantes no destructivos.

This study uses life cycle analysis (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of co-firing bituminous coal with agricultural biomass waste, such as coconut and rice husks, emphasising circular economy principles. Seven experimental scenarios with different coal-to-biomass ratios were designed, ranging from pure coal to pure biomass. The results show that Scenario B (100% rice husk) achieved the best overall environmental performance, with the lowest global warming potential (300 kg CO₂ equivalent), eutrophication potential (4.742 kg PO₄ equivalent), and smog formation potential (0.012 kg C₂H₄ equivalent). Additionally, Scenario F (15% biomass mix) recorded the lowest acidification potential (57.39 kg SO₂ eq), indicating that even partial substitution can yield significant environmental benefits. In contrast, Scenario C (100% coal) exhibited the highest acidification (164.08 kg SO₂ eq) and eutrophication (8.82 kg PO₄ eq) potential. Overall, the results demonstrate that co-firing biomass waste significantly reduces pollutant emissions compared to burning coal alone. This study highlights the effectiveness of biomass waste co-firing in mitigating environmental impacts, promoting resource recovery, and supporting a sustainable energy transition within a circular economy framework.

This study provides a comparative thermochemical analysis of coconut husk, rice husk and mineral coal, assessing their potential for use in sustainable energy applications. Standardised proximate and ultimate analyses, thermogravimetric (TGA/DTG) evaluations and combustibility index measurements were performed under identical laboratory conditions to ensure consistent comparisons could be made. Coconut husk exhibited the lowest ignition temperature (320.88 °C) and the highest combustibility index (2.385). This indicates its suitability for rapid combustion and biochar production. Its low ash and sulphur content enhances its environmental performance. Rice husk demonstrated moderate thermal behaviour and a high ash yield owing to its elevated silica content, suggesting greater potential for non-energy applications, such as silica recovery and advanced materials production. Mineral coal displayed the highest carbon content and calorific value (24.38 MJ/kg), reflecting high energy density, but also a considerable sulphur content that raises environmental concerns. Unlike many studies that address these materials separately, this work provides a direct, side-by-side comparison under controlled conditions. This offers practical insights for selecting materials in energy systems. The results reinforce the potential of agro-industrial residues in cleaner energy strategies, while emphasising the need for emission control measures when using fossil fuels.