Exploring the Potentials of Using Household Level Biomass for Electricity Generation: A Case Study of Khulna City

Authors

  • Ibrat Ara Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna-9203, Bangladesh
  • Tusar Kanti Roy Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna-9203, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38032/scse.2025.3.60

Keywords:

Renewable Energy, Household Biomass, Electricity Generation, Sustainable Urban Development

Abstract

As one of the most densely populated countries in the world, Bangladesh faces an increasing demand for energy. Consequently, environmental pollution from fossil fuel burning has highlighted the need for alternative energy sources in the country. In this context, the study aims to assess the potential of household-level biomass for electricity generation in Khulna City, Bangladesh. The objective was to quantify different types of household biomass and determine their electricity generation potential. Data were collected through a survey of 186 households, categorized into low, middle, and high-income groups. Household waste, including kitchen scraps, animal dung, paper and garden waste, was measured, and its energy content was calculated using proximate analysis and higher heating value (HHV) equations. The analysis revealed that household waste generation ranged from 0.129 to 4.81 kg per day, with high-income households producing the most waste. A strong positive correlation between income level and per capita waste generation was observed (rxy = 0.787, p < 0.01), which indicates that high-income individuals produce more waste daily. The study estimated a total energy potential of 7,692.04 GJ, equivalent to 2,137.69 MWh of electricity, which could contribute 8.39 % to the national grid. The findings underscore the feasibility of utilizing household-level biomass for electricity generation in urban areas. The implementation of waste-to-energy systems would not only enhance waste management practices but also contribute to the local economy. This study opens avenues for further research into optimizing biowaste conversion technologies for energy generation. It highlights the need for continued exploration of advanced methods to convert biowaste into energy more efficiently. Additionally, the study recommends increased investment in waste management infrastructure, particularly in composting, biogas digesters, and landfill gas recovery, to maximize energy recovery and support sustainable urban development.

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Published

11.11.2025

How to Cite

[1]
I. Ara and T. K. Roy, “Exploring the Potentials of Using Household Level Biomass for Electricity Generation: A Case Study of Khulna City”, SCS:Engineering, vol. 3, pp. 226–231, Nov. 2025, doi: 10.38032/scse.2025.3.60.

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