Micro-cogeneration based on solid oxide fuel cells: Market opportunities in the agriculture/livestock sector.

Bio-waste embeds an extraordinary renewable potential, and it becomes a source of energy savings when transformed into a valuable resource, like biogas. Cogeneration (CHP) from biogas employing high-temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) scores a high sustainability level, thanks to improved environmental and energy performances. The synergy between the niche market of small/micro biogas producers and SOFCs might act as a springboard to open market opportunities for both SOFC commercialization and business upgrade of small farms. However, local regulations, waste management, renewable energy subsidies and, above all, availability of eligible sites, determine real chances for on-the-ground implementation. Through a detailed analysis of the application scenario, this research aims at investigating opportunities for the experimentation of SOFC–CHP in small biogas plants and identifying the possible bottlenecks for future deployment. When it becomes relevant, energy conversion of livestock (especially cattle and swine) and agriculture waste requires SOFC modules from 10 kW e to 35 kW e. This is in line with the current status of SOFC suppliers. Moreover, considering the fuel cell market roll-out, the average levelized cost of electricity is expected to decrease from 0.387 €/kWh to 0.115 €/kWh, when electricity is produced from livestock waste available on-site. • The livestock sector embeds a high and unexploited biogas energy potential. • The majority of livestock farms requires small and micro-scale cogeneration systems. • Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) improve the energy performances of micro biogas plants. • The economic assessment for SOFC in small livestock farms is presented. • SOFCs can contribute to raising the share of bio-waste used for electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]