LAPSE:2026.0261v1
Published Article

LAPSE:2026.0261v1
Feasibility of Integrating Sugarcane-Derived Biogas into the Allam-Fetvedt Cycle for BECCS Power Generation
June 12, 2026
Abstract
The development of energy technologies with low CO2 emissions is increasingly important for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, power plants based on the Allam-Fetvedt Cycle appear promising because this cycle (introduced in 2012) features inherent CO2 capture. In this context, its association with biogas as fuel enables its application as a Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) system. This study evaluates the technical, energetic, and economic feasibility of an Allam-Fetvedt Cycle power plant fueled by biogas. The methodology is based on detailed process simulations performed using Aspen Plus® v14. Two biogas production scenarios were assessed: Case 1 and Case 2, corresponding to the processing of 8 and 24 million tons of sugarcane per year, respectively. The economic analysis indicated a high capital investment, primarily in the Air Separation Unit (ASU) and the Balance of Plant (BOP). Nevertheless, a significant reduction in the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) was observed, decreasing from 1443 R$/MWh (€0.227/kWh) in Case 1 to 848 R$/MWh (€0.134/kWh) in Case 2. Overall, the results suggest that integrating biogas into the Allam-Fetvedt Cycle represents a promising technological pathway for power generation with negative carbon emissions. Further research and optimization are required to improve economic viability and strengthen the role of this technology as a strategic option for decarbonizing the energy sector.
The development of energy technologies with low CO2 emissions is increasingly important for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, power plants based on the Allam-Fetvedt Cycle appear promising because this cycle (introduced in 2012) features inherent CO2 capture. In this context, its association with biogas as fuel enables its application as a Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) system. This study evaluates the technical, energetic, and economic feasibility of an Allam-Fetvedt Cycle power plant fueled by biogas. The methodology is based on detailed process simulations performed using Aspen Plus® v14. Two biogas production scenarios were assessed: Case 1 and Case 2, corresponding to the processing of 8 and 24 million tons of sugarcane per year, respectively. The economic analysis indicated a high capital investment, primarily in the Air Separation Unit (ASU) and the Balance of Plant (BOP). Nevertheless, a significant reduction in the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) was observed, decreasing from 1443 R$/MWh (€0.227/kWh) in Case 1 to 848 R$/MWh (€0.134/kWh) in Case 2. Overall, the results suggest that integrating biogas into the Allam-Fetvedt Cycle represents a promising technological pathway for power generation with negative carbon emissions. Further research and optimization are required to improve economic viability and strengthen the role of this technology as a strategic option for decarbonizing the energy sector.
Record ID
Keywords
BECCS, Biogas, Biomethane, Energy Efficiency, Technoeconomic Analysis
Subject
Suggested Citation
Vasconcelos JPB, Carvalho MD, Silva JFL. Feasibility of Integrating Sugarcane-Derived Biogas into the Allam-Fetvedt Cycle for BECCS Power Generation. Systems and Control Transactions 5:470-476 (2026) https://doi.org/10.69997/sct.181153
Author Affiliations
Vasconcelos JPB: Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP, Faculdade de Engenharia Química - FEQ, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil [ORCID]
Carvalho MD: Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP, Faculdade de Engenharia Química - FEQ, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
Silva JFL: Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP, Faculdade de Engenharia Química - FEQ, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil [ORCID]
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Carvalho MD: Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP, Faculdade de Engenharia Química - FEQ, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
Silva JFL: Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP, Faculdade de Engenharia Química - FEQ, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil [ORCID]
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Journal Name
Systems and Control Transactions
Volume
5
First Page
470
Last Page
476
Year
2026
Publication Date
2026-06-12
Version Comments
Original Submission
Other Meta
PII: 0470-0476-552-SCT-5-2026, Publication Type: Journal Article
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LAPSE:2026.0261v1
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