Determinants of the location of biogas generators and their contributions to sustainable development objectives

Abstract

This work aims to analyze the determinants of the location of biogas generators in Paraná, in order to verify the combination of criteria for the construction of these units and their contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for which the logistic regression method was used. Of the 41 municipalities in the state that host biogas generating units, the results demonstrated that the variables related to the pig herd, rural electricity consumption and jobs in the agricultural sector were considered significant, with the pig herd being the most significant variable. The concentration of these units occurs especially in the West and Southwest regions, driven by cooperative models and a greater supply of raw materials. Although variables such as corn, soybean and milk production do not present statistical significance, their energy potential is recognized. Considering the data analyzed, it can be concluded that biogas becomes an important tool to promote energy self-sufficiency in rural areas, as it is directly linked to the SDGs, and that biogas systems have the potential to be an economic alternative in agricultural activity, converting an environmental liability into an economic asset.

Keywords: regional development; energy sustainability; biogas; territorial dynamics; environmental liabilities.