The study of alternative energy from Water hyacinth, A case study: Tha Chin River Basin Nontanan Kuerchart1,* and Orathai Chavalparit2

Abstract

An invasive weed thrives in freshwater bodies causing serious economic damage including irrigation, agriculture, water transportation, and public health, especially in the Tha Chin River basin. Therefore, there is a need for the development of value added from such weed. This study aims to evaluate the potential of the water hyacinth as            a renewable energy resource for biogas and electricity production.     Data on the characteristics and utilization of water hyacinth in Tha Chin River basin were collected. The potential of using water hyacinth as feedstock for biogas production was assessed through three key aspects: technology, economy, and environment impact. A power plant utilizing water hyacinth from Tha Chin River basin was used as a case study.     This power plant uses 17.93 tons of fresh water hyacinth per day as feedstock for a biogas reactor with a capacity of 1,000 cubic meters.   The plant generates 404.88 cubic meters of biogas daily, with an electricity production potential of 506.10 kilowatts per day. The results show that in terms of energy, the appropriate technology for biogas production from water hyacinth is a Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) with completely mixed system. Economic analysis shows a Net Present Value (NPV) with greater cash inflow than cash outflow, an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 17%, a Benefit Cost Ratio(B/C) of 2.59, and a Payback Period of 1.27. Environmental aspect technology             for producing alternative energy from biomass via Anaerobic digestion significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, achieving a reduction of 5,791.44 tons of CO2e per year.