Brazilian Research in Municipal Solid Waste Biogas: how large is it and how far has it gone?

Biogas produced from the degradation of organic waste and its use as an energy source are not new in Brazil. Nonetheless, while industry is gaining interest once more in the subject after a series of failed projects in the past decades, academic research has continued.  Based on the mapping of research competencies in the Brazilian universities and research groups, this paper allows understanding the size, content and relevance of research on municipal solid waste (MSW) in Brazil. A good picture of the locally produced scientific knowledge on MSW is critical to expand the use of biogas for energy needs in the country. Strong academy-industry partnerships are of central importance in adapting foreign technologies and developing local ones, as well as training the next generation of experts in the field. This is important given that unique solutions are necessary when faced with the particularities of the MSW found throughout the country, as well as differences in climate and precipitation patterns, in comparison with other regions of the world.