Modeling the Investment Evaluation Process in Biogas-Based Distributed Generation Projects for Sustainable Development

Distributed generation (DG) is one of the types of generation with great potential in the world and fits into the incentive schemes used worldwide. In addition, biogas as a fuel for DG presents itself as an interesting option, both from an economic and a sustainability point of view. Thus, this article addresses the modeling of the investment evaluation process in biogas-based DG projects in Brazil, using the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) and Decision Model and Notation (DMN) techniques, intending to define a standard model. Although the study is applied to the Brazilian scenario, the proposed investment evaluation model can be applied to any scenario as long as the specificities of each location or country analyzed are considered. The results show that the model supports decisions on new investments in the sector and highlights the process sequence and main decision points for quality analysis. In addition, the model highlights the need to know the regulations and incentives for DG using renewable energy sources (RES) in the country, shows the available technologies, the process for producing electricity using biogas, the times for collecting operational data, estimating revenues, and investment evaluation methodologies, and promotes the growth of knowledge about RES. Finally, this approach supports sustainable development by using renewable resources efficiently, reducing waste, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It also helps investors and policymakers make decisions about low-carbon energy systems.