Unlocking the green hydrogen potential of Brazilian landfills: An in-depth techno-economic feasibility analysis and sustainable applications towards a low-carbon energy transition

Green hydrogen may play a role of a green energy carrier that can support Brazil's transition to carbonless energy system. This study evaluated the technical potential and levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) production from green hydrogen via biomethane steam reforming (BSR) across all operating landfills in Brazil. A non-linear regression analysis revealed an inverse relationship between the achievable LCOH and the annual mass of municipal solid waste (MSW) disposed of in these landfills. In addition, the resulting exponential equation pointed to MSW as the main parameter to determine LCOH. Moreover, it was found that 204 Brazilian landfills can produce green hydrogen at costs below 10 USD/kg, and only 33 can have a LCOH under 5 USD/kg. Considering only landfills with an estimated LCOH under 10 USD/kg (scenario 1 - S1), the Brazilian green hydrogen production potential is 3.08E+08 kg H₂/y, but this value decreases to 1.75E+08 kgH₂/y upon accounting only the landfills with LCOH under 5 USD/kg (scenario 2 - S2). In S1, this hydrogen potential could generate 3.1E+09 kg of urea, enabling the supply of 55% of the national urea consumption and avoiding the emission of 3.08 GgCO₂e/y. Consequently, Brazil's potential to produce green hydrogen from BSR in landfills could play an important role in supporting the country's transition to a more sustainable and greener economy.