Simulating the costs of using alternative energy sources: A comparative analysis of the use of natural gas and acacia wood to generate heat for brick production

This research refers to a cost simulation of the use of alternative energy sources in the ceramics industry for the production of bricks. This study sought to carry out a cost simulation of the use of natural gas and firewood from acacia reforestation in order to identify, from a cost point of view, the energy alternative that is most attractive to the entrepreneur. To do this, the steps involved in the brick production process were analyzed, identifying the direct and indirect costs and expenses and the variable and fixed costs and expenses, which subsequently made it possible to carry out an analysis of the optimum level of production in the use of these two energy matrices.