Strengthening Local Livelihoods through the Circular Economy: Agricultural Waste Utilization for Green Energy

Abstract

Using agricultural waste as a source of green energy through a circular economic approach offers a sustainable solution to address waste issues, energy security, and local community welfare. This study highlights various technologies for converting agricultural waste into bioenergy, such as anaerobic fermentation for biogas, pyrolysis for biochar, and gasification for syngas, with conversion efficiency levels ranging from 65-80%. The results show that applying a circular economy can reduce agricultural waste by up to 85%, increase energy efficiency by 75%, and reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%. From a social and economic perspective, using bioenergy from agricultural waste increases farmers' income by 85%, creates new jobs by up to 80%, and increases energy access in rural areas by 75%. However, the implementation of this model still faces several significant challenges, such as limited infrastructure (90%), high initial investment costs (80%), and minimal regulatory support and policy incentives. To overcome these obstacles, strategies such as providing government incentives (90% effectiveness), establishing community cooperatives (85% effectiveness), and investing in bioenergy technology (80% effectiveness) are key steps in increasing the adoption of a circular economy. With the right approach, transitioning to a green energy system based on agricultural waste can improve energy security, reduce environmental impacts, and strengthen the local economy. Policy support, public education, and stakeholder collaboration are essential to realizing a sustainable circular economy system in the agricultural sector.