fact finding mission biomass colombia · 2013-11-29 · fact finding mission biomass colombia |...
TRANSCRIPT
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 16th November 2012
Page 2 of 40
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 3 van 40
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia
Identification of potential initiatives for the production and transformation of sustainable biomass as a resource.
Colofon
Date 16th November 2012
Status V1.0 Final
This study was carried out in the framework of the Netherlands Programmes
Sustainable Biomass by
Name organization GMSP BV Sustainability & Management Consultants
Contact person Harold E. Martina Martínez
Although this report has been put together with the greatest possible care, NL Agency does
not accept liability for possible errors.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 16th November 2012
Page 5 of 40
Contact
Netherlands Programmes Sustainable Biomass
Drs. Sietske Boschma
Ir. Kees W. Kwant
NL Agency
NL Energy and Climate Change
Croeselaan 15, 3521 BJ Utrecht
P.O. Box 8242, 3503 RE Utrecht
The Netherlands
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +31 - 88 - 602 2458 / +31 - 88 – 602 2604
www.agentschapNL.nl/biomass
GMSP B.V.
Harold E. Martina Martínez
Managing Director
Marga Klompesingel 80, 2135JB Hoofddorp
The Netherlands
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +31 6 21588840 / +31 23 557 7687
GMSP Colombia S.A.S.
Maria Adelaida Pérez Pérez
Managing Director
Montes Claros A, Cra 27 # 7 B- 90, Medellín
Colombia
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +57 314 6820322
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 6 van 40
Index
Index 6
Acronyms 7
Executive summary 8
Introduction 10 The assignment 10 Goal 10 Scope 10 Cross sectoral topics: Sustainability certification and Climate Funding 10 Geographical coverage 10 The time frame 11 The team 11 Alignment with TF, Fact finding Waste Colombia and NPSB 11 Presentation of results 11
Fact finding approach 12 Targeted organizations for interviews 12 Themes 12 Agricultural sectors and availability of feedstock 12 Infrastructure 12 Type of initiative 12 Policy and Legislation 12
Sustainability issues 13
End use 13 Funding 13 Themes in biomass initiatives assessment framework 13 Brief overview of agricultural sectors investigated 14 Palm Oil 14 Coffee 14
Banana 15
Sugar Cane 15
Summary of production figures per sector 15
Findings 16
Feedstock specific questions 16
Climate funding and certification specific questions (see also 4.5.1) 26
Findings from the Knowledge institutions’ perspective 27
Findings from the Government’s perspective 27
Cross sectoral issues 28
General remarks 31
Potential for Dutch technology and consultancy providers, Knowledge Institutions and Govenmental bodies 32
General opportunities 32
Technology 33
Knowledge Transfer 33
Policy making 33
Conclusions & Recommendations 34
Conclusions 34
Recommendations 35
Annex 1: Colombia – key data 36
Annex 2: List of organizations interviewed 37
Annex 3: References 39
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 7 van 40
Acronyms
AGNL Agentschap NL / NL Agency
ASOCAÑA Asociación de cultivadores de caña de
Azúcar
BBE Bio Based Economy
CDM Clean Development Mechanism
CENICAÑA Centro de Investigación de la Caña de
Azucar de Colombia
CENIPALMA Centro de Investigación e Innovación
Tecnológica en Palma de Aceite
EFB Empty Fruit Bunch(es)
FEDEPALMA Federación Nacional de Cultivadores de
Palma de Aceite
FNC Federación Nacional de Cafeteros de
Colombia
GIS Geographic Information System
GTC Guía Técnica Colombiana
ILUC Indirect Land Use Change
LCA Life Cycle Analysis
NPSB (AGNL) Netherlands Programmes for
Sustainable Biomass
NTA8080
Netherlands technical agreement,
Sustainability criteria for biomass for energy
purposes
NTC Norma Técnica Colombiana
PIB Partners for International Business
PKS Palm Kernel Shell
POME Palm Oil Mill Effluent
PPP Public Private Partnership
PTP Programa de Transformación Productiva
TF (AGNL) Transition Facility
UPME Unidad de Planeación Minero Energética
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 8 van 40
Executive summary
NL Agency, through the Netherlands Programmes for Sustainable Biomass (NPSB),
commissioned, in close cooperation with the Transition Facility Program Colombia
(TF), a fact finding mission biomass in Colombia aimed at identifying specific
(potential) initiatives for the production and transformation of sustainable biomass
as a resource. The fact finding mission biomass focused on the residual biomass
use in the Palm Oil, Sugar Cane, Coffee and Banana sectors, besides taking into
account applications with bamboo and other (woody) biomass. Furthermore the
fact finding mission biomass Colombia was instructed to identify possible local co-
implementers for training regarding biomass certification and climate funding
issues in Colombia, since Agency NL intends to support such trainings.
GMSP BV, with the support of GMSP Colombia S.A.S. and National Cleaner
Production Centre (CNPML) carried out a series of interviews in the Netherlands
and Colombia with stakeholders from businesses, agricultural sector organizations
(including their respective research institutions), knowledge institutions and
governmental entities (ministries).
From the findings it can be concluded that there is a need in all sectors to find out
how to better utilize residual biomass. Knowledge of and capacity building in
valorization options (including restrictions and sustainability issues), available
biomass conversion technology and improved information (quantitative +
qualitative) about residual biomass is mostly lacking and is an essential
precondition to be met. Furthermore, knowledge institutions expressed their need
for support with methods and tooling / hardware for laboratories and testing
facilities.
Soil management and ILUC avoidance are clearly on the agenda. Therefore
capacity building e.g. in order to better assess which land can be best used –or is
not to be touched- is needed for policy making and business decision support.
At present there is a variety of opportunities, ranging from small scale to large
scale, proven to innovative technology applications. Notwithstanding interesting
developments in K-G-B co operation on biomass utilization initiatives, it is
observed that those tend still to be rather isolated.
The Palm Oil, Sugar Cane (for sugar and ethanol production), and Banana sectors
are interesting from both sustainability and scale’s perspective (medium to large
scale) for energy and BBE applications. In these sectors medium to large scale
initiatives are possible, e.g. CHP (process improvement), biogas production and
solid biomass processing for export. In the Banana sector, medium to large scale
opportunities can be identified, e.g. ethanol production, biogas projects, re
utilization and further processing of solid biomass and BBE applications.
Sugar Cane (panela production) and Coffee are interesting more from a
sustainability perspective and rural development applications (mostly energy,
some BBE). In these sectors mainly small scale opportunities can be further
developed, e.g. small ethanol production facilities, small biogas applications, small
BBE initiatives.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 9 van 40
Government officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment and
Ministry of Energy (through its agency UPME) welcome co operation with the
Dutch government, for which a joint development agreement is being formulated,
to work towards the formulation of a roadmap and policies for further
development of the biomass potential.
Based on the findings, AGNL is recommended the following:
On the short term supporting small/decentralized (pilot) applications can play
a crucial role; they eventually contribute to build infrastructure which is
needed for up scaling/replication.
Interest in economically viable large scale initiatives is evident, while support
for small scale applications is not, unless you look at sustainability
(environmental and social) impact. Therefore support for small scale,
sustainability (environmental and social) impact oriented initiatives make
sense, which should furthermore best be channeled via sector organizations.
It is recommended to link and co ordinate already identified proposals for K-G-
B co operation (e.g. UU, WUR, CIWK, PTP) in the field of analysis of existing
data, improving GIS data and modelling as soon as possible.
Efforts should be made to provide further support for a Colombian-Dutch G-G
co operation towards the formulation of a roadmap and policies for further
development of the biomass potential.
Working ahead in preparation for the possible creation of a
Biomass/BBE/Waste window under the umbrella of the Holland House is to be
advised. Possible instruments could be defining a common strategy and
executing via e.g. the AGNL PIB programme, linking B-B, B-K, K-G and G-G
initiatives.
As to embedding K-G-B initiatives in a coherent Colombian-Dutch co operation
scheme it is advised to align potential initiatives via NPSB and TF with ongoing
developments from the side of the Sustainability platform COL-NL, the Ministry
of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Energy (UPME).
On (sustainability) certification, it is recommended to start developing a
training on certification (reasons and alternatives).
As to climate funding topics, the focus should be on creating awareness
among stakeholders (ideally wider than the 4 sectors) who in due time can do
something with climate funding.
Individual initiatives with (voluntary) carbon credits potential should, when
applicable, be supported and promoted (locally and internationally) as GHG
mitigation/compensation opportunities.
Institutional work is to be done with the already mentioned governmental and
sector organizations on how to structure the long-term (post 2020)
development of climate funding.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 10 van 40
1 Introduction
1.1 The assignment
1.1.1 Goal
The fact finding mission biomass investigated the potential for the production and
transformation of sustainable biomass as a resource by identifying:
- Existing initiatives and potential initiatives
- The (potential) partners in those initiatives
- Which regions to focus on
- Replicability / Possibilities for up-scaling
- (Potential) impact in Colombia
- The possible organizational inbedding
- Other conditions to be met for initiatives to be (potentially) successful.
1.1.2 Scope
The primary scope of the fact finding mission comprised the identification of
potential uses of residues in the following sectors:
- Palm Oil, specifically –but not limited to- methane gas capturing
- Coffee
- Banana
- Sugar Cane processing
- Bamboo (and other woody biomass: pelletisation and torrification).
1.1.3 Cross sectoral topics: Sustainability certification and Climate Funding
Agency NL intends to provide training for biomass certification and for climate
funding in Colombia. Both will support the envisaged biomass initiatives and
interest other parties. Being cross-sectoral issues they may support interaction
between the sectors.
The fact finding mission was asked to identify:
- Possible local co-implementers of the certification trainings
- Possible local co-implementers of the climate-funding trainings
- Sectors/actors who may participate in such training
- A broad overview of their expectations (a more in-depth needs assessment will
be part of the training).
1.1.4 Geographical coverage
The team held interviews with stakeholders from Businesses, Agricultural Sector
organizations (including their respective research institutions), Knowledge
Institutions and Governmental entities (Ministries):
- Bogotá
- Medellín
- Cali
- Santa Marta
- Cartagena.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 11 van 40
1.1.5 The time frame
The assignment was to be carried out during the period between 1st August 2012
and 30th October 2012. The interviews in Colombia took place from 17th
September until 28th September 2012.
1.2 The team
1.2.1 GSMP BV (NL), GMSP Colombia S.A.S.(COL) and CNPML (COL)
The team consisted of 3 consultants. Contracting party was GMSP BV from the
Netherlands, providing one consultant (Mr. Harold Martina Martínez), who teamed
up with one consultant from GMSP Colombia S.A.S. (Mrs. María Adelaida Pérez
Pérez) and one consultant (Mr. Juan Sebastián Estrada) from Centro Nacional de
Producción Más Limpia (CNPML).
1.3 Alignment with TF, Fact finding Waste Colombia and NPSB
To ensure alignment with the needs and objectives of NPSB (AGNL) and the
Transition Facility (AGNL and Embassy in Bogotá), there has been consultation
prior, during and/or after the Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia with Mrs.
Corina Kerkmans (AGNL, Transition Facility), Mr. Philip Bastiaenen (Min BuZa,
Dutch Embassy in Bogotá), Mrs. Sietske Boschma (AGNL, Climate & Energy /
NPSB), Mr. Niels van Heeren (Solidaridad, involved in the set up of the
Sustainability Platform in Colombia in co operation with the Dutch Embassy) and
Mr. Bert Keesman (Metasus, responsible for the parallel Fact finding Mission
Waste).
1.4 Presentation of results
The fact finding results are made available to be presented to AGNL (NPSB and TF
–including the Embassy in Bogotá) as follows:
- With the present final report. (Note: Details of specific initiatives and business
cases are made available separately to AGNL, taking into account possible
confidentiality issues. It is at AGNL’s and the involved party’s discretion which
case-specific data are made available, when and to whom.)
- By presentation(s) to AGNL and the parties AGNL agrees with GMSP BV to
provide additional presentation(s) for.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 12 van 40
2 Fact finding approach
2.1 Targeted organizations for interviews
In order to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the residual biomass playing
field, the team arranged face-to-face interviews (and via telephone in the cases
that this was not possible within the envisaged time frame) with the following
groups of stakeholders:
- Businesses (agricultural sector, technology providers, engineering, consultancy)
- Agricultural Sector organizations (including their research institutions)
- Knowledge Institutions
- Government (Ministries).
2.2 Themes
GMSP applied its own framework for assessing biomass projects, which basically
serves to understand their context and viability by addressing several themes.
These are presented briefly in the next sub-paragraphs.
2.2.1 Agricultural sectors and availability of feedstock
The fact finding mission looked, per agricultural sector, into the type and
characteristics of (residual) biomass available, current and planned uses. The
sectoral organizations play an important role both in providing factual information
and in voicing the development agenda of its members with regard to the
valorisation of residual biomass. (Note: As to the quantities of available residual biomass
per feedstock, further analysis of existing data, e.g. the 2010 ‘Atlas del Potencial Energético
de la Biomasa Residual en Colombia’ is needed)
2.2.2 Infrastructure
Existing and planned transport and handling infrastructure in Colombia, in
combination with the topographic characteristics of the location of the available
feedstock, are generally determining for the viability of biomass utilisation
initiatives. This aspect is key in all stages of the biomass utilisation chain (being
basically: the availability of feedstock, location of processing facilities and physical
distribution –locally or abroad- of processed and/or finished product/energy carrier
to the next user in the chain).
2.2.3 Type of initiative
Given the development stage of biomass use in Colombia and the characteristics
of each type of feedstock, other key aspects to take into account are the scale,
state of the art of transformation capabilities/possibilities and final use (market)
that are implied in current and planned initiatives.
2.2.4 Policy and Legislation
It is important to identify if there are or will be legal or policy issues that will
influence the present or future use of the residual biomass. Understanding the
government’s role and position towards the (alternative) uses of biomass is of
great relevance in this context.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 13 van 40
2.2.5 Sustainability issues
Both local and export related uses of residual biomass from all sectors are subject
to (and potentially restricted by) the increasing importance attached to
sustainability issues associated with biomass use (e.g.. soil quality and ILUC). It is
key to have clarity on the applicability of sustainability criteria and standards.
Identification of co operation opportunities with key organizations or platforms in
this area is of great importance for current as well as future applications.
2.2.6 End use
In order to effectively influence or even understand the development of residual
biomass applications, it is important to bear in mind the ‘Energy-Materials-
Biochemistry uses from biomass’ competition. At current there are (and in the
future there will increasingly be) simultaneous efforts competing with each other
depending on the end use (market) for the residual biomass.
2.2.7 Funding
As in every market, but even more so due to the still innovative nature of some
residual biomass applications, the availability of adequate funding for this kind of
initiatives is determinant for the further development of this industry. There are
several instruments available (such as commercial funding, locally and
internationally available subsidies and climate funding) but the effectiveness or
applicability of each depends not only on the profitability of the initiative but still
more so on the other themes mentioned in the paragraphs above.
2.3 Themes in biomass initiatives assessment framework
Figure 1. illustrates GMSP’s context assessment framework used for the fact
finding mission biomass Colombia, based on the abovementioned themes.
Figure 1
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 14 van 40
3 Brief overview of agricultural sectors investigated
3.1 Palm Oil
The Palm Oil sector in Colombia occupies around 427.367 Ha1, mainly in the
provinces of Meta, Cesar, Santander, Magdalena, Nariño, Casanare, Bolivar,
Cundinamarca and Norte de Santander. Colombia participates with 1,9% of the
total world Palm Oil cultivated area and reports a yield of 3,52 ton/Ha (a ton less
compared with Malaysia’s land intensive plantations yielding 4,55 ton/Ha).
Colombia is first in the production of Palm Oil in Latin America and fourth
worldwide. In 2011, the production of Palm Oil in Colombia was 942.000 tons2
from Palm Oil extraction plants distributed geographically as follows:
- 22 plants in the eastern region in the provinces of Caquetá, Casanare and Meta
- 14 plants in the northern region in the provinces of Antioquia, Bolívar, Cesar
and Magdalena
- 6 plants in the central region in the provinces of Cesar, Norte de Santander and
Santander
- 7 plants in the western region in the province of Nariño.
A significant amount of the Colombian Palm Oil is further refined in the country
into biodiesel, which in the curent situation is entirely destined for local use in
(mandatoty) diesel blend. Last year2 the bio diesel production was 443.037 tons,
in 6 bio diesel refineries:
- 1 plant in the northern province of Cesar
- 2 plants in the northern province of Bolivar
- 1 plant in the central province of Cundinamarca
- 1 plant in the north-eastern province of Santander
- 1 plant in the central province of Meta.
3.2 Coffee The Coffee sector is composed of approximately 563,000 Coffee growers, associated in the National Coffee Growers Federation (FNC). The Federation acts as the national representation of the growers towards the government and its
mission is to improve their quality of life. Through CENICAFE, it acts as the main research and development actor for the production and trade of Coffee in Colombia. In 2011 the Coffee production in Colombia was around 469.000 tons3 Most of the Coffee production in Colombia grows in the regions of Antioquia, Boyacá, Caldas, Cauca, Cesar, Caquetá, Casanare, Cundinamarca, Guajira, Huila,
Magdalena, Meta, Nariño, Norte de Santander, Quindío, Risaralda, Santander, Tolima and Valle.
Most of the Coffee is exported. There are a few food companies producing roasted and instant Coffee, e.g. Colcafé, Buencafé Liofilizado, and Casa Luker.
1 Source: Federación Nacional de de Biocombustibles de Colombia, 2012
2 Source: Federación Nacional de de Biocombustibles de Colombia, 2012
3 Source: Federación Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia.
http://www.federaciondecafeteros.org/particulares/es/quienes_somos/119_estadisticas_historicas/
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 15 van 40
3.3 Banana The Banana growers in Colombia are represented by a national association, AUGURA. According to AUGURA, the Banana sector in Colombia produces 95 million boxes per year which are worth approximately US$ 700 million. This
represents around 3% of Colombian exports and 0.4% of national GDP. The main production regions are the province of Magdalena, with 12,000 Ha, and
Urabá (province of Antioquia) with 35,000 Ha. 95% of the Banana production is exported to Europe and the United States. The main Banana trading companies4 are Uniban, Banacol, Conserba, Banafrut and Tropical.
3.4 Sugar Cane The sugar Cane industry in Colombia is divided in two main subsectors: Sugar and Panela (a non-crystalized raw form of sugar obtained from the evaporation of Sugar Cane juice). The sugar industry is entirely concentrated in the Valle del Cauca province and is
highly industrialized. It counts 22 large sugar mills and today produces not only sugar but also, with 7 production plants, the whole supply of bio ethanol in the country for mixing with gasoline. The total Sugar Cane production in the year
2011 was 22,728,758 tons, from which 2,339,998 tons of sugar, 341,190 m3 of bio ethanol and 254,206 tons of molasses were produced.5 The total planted area surpasses 223.905 Ha6 representing around 8% of total planted area in Colombia.
Additionally, the sugar sector is one of the few industries in Colombia which has implemented cogeneration systems. The installed capacity for 2012 is approximately 190 MW from which around 53 MW are delivered to the national grid. The capacity is expected to increase to 333 MW in 20157. The panela sector, on the other hand, is scattered throughout the country and is
still very far behind in terms of technology and production capacity, since it is mainly a rural subsistence sector. Nonetheless, there are nearly 18,000 trapiches (panela farms) in Colombia employing around 350.000 persons producing around 1.227.313 tons of panela per year8. Main production provinces are Santander,
Antioquia, Cundinamarca, Boyacá, Tolima, Huila, Cauca, Caldas, Nariño and Norte de Santander. The production figures of panela Sugar Cane in terms of planted area are similar to those of Sugar Cane for sugar and ethanol production, making
it an important sector representing around 9% of the total permanent cultivated area.
3.5 Summary of production figures per sector
Sector Product Annual production
# of production facilities
Cultivated area
Palm Oil Palm Oil 942.000 tons 22 427.367 ha
Bio diesel 443.037 tons 6
Coffee Coffee beans 469.000 tons 921.060 ha
Banana Bananas 95million Boxes 47.000 ha
Sugar Cane
Sugar Cane 22.728.758 tons 223.905 ha
Sugar 2.339.998 tons 22
Molasses 254.206 tons
Bio ethanol9 341.190 m3 7
Panela 1.227.313 tons 240.428 ha
4 Source: Augura
5 Source: Asocaña
6 Source: Federación Nacional de de Biocombustibles de Colombia, 2012
7 Source: Asocaña
8 Source: Anuario estadistico del sector agriopecuario 2009
9 At present 6 bio ethanol production facilities, however the 7th will be operational early 2013
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 16 van 40
4 Findings
In this chapter both specific and general findings will be presented. First by
addressing feedstock- or certification / climate funding specific questions as
formulated in the Terms of Reference for the present fact finding mission.
Furthermore, at the end of each section, notes of other relevant findings will be
provided. In a separate section, the findings from a Knowledge-to-Knowledge and
a Government-to-Government perspective will be discussed.
4.1 Feedstock specific questions
4.1.1 Palm Oil
Table 1
Question Findings Remarks
1. Which companies (COL & NL) are
interested [in methane capture]?
Ref. Annex 2
2. What geographical areas are
interesting for replication [of
methane capture projects]?
For methane capturing from
POME’s: All regions.
EFB/Fiber/PKS/Presscake for
co-generation: All Regions.
EFB/Fiber/PKS/Wood from
replaced tress for pelletizing:
Northern region for EU
markets or eastern region if
close to main waterways.
Addition of solid
residues for
Biogas: All
regions.
3. Are there other residues to be
combined into a digester from the
Palm Oil sector or other agricultural
processing activities from which
residues can be used?
From other sectors, such as
residual biomass from corn
and rice.
Co-digestion of
residues, such as
PKS, Fiber as
proposed by some
is arguable.
4. Which actors are capable to adopt
and replicate the technology?
All (major) Palm Oil
extraction plants could be
capable of biogas technology
adoption.
Fedepalma is
interested in
supporting such
initiatives.
5. Which interested partners can
cooperate from The Netherlands to
upscale the proven technology (e.g.
logistics, technology, equipment,
financing)?
Ref. separate list available to
AGNL.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 17 van 40
6. Which partners need to be involved
to start cooperation to implement
and/or reproduce the technology
locally (what business partners are
interesting for Dutch companies to
set up a joint venture?)
Involving Fedepalma is to be
advised.
(For Dutch companies it
would make sense to start a
cooperation with parties
already having local
experience and presence)
7. What financing opportunities and
barriers are present in Colombia for
up scaling this technology?
Given a viable business case,
commercial funding is an
option. The existing CDM
umbrella project and tax
incentives for adoption of
clean technologies might
provide extra leverage to
such initiatives.
For future
projects CDM is
no longer an
alternative. Other
carbon
mechanisms could
be an option.
8. What involvement and role are
required from the national/regional
government in Colombia?
The government’s role in
determining feed-in tariffs.
Making the productive
utilization of residues more
attractive by maintaining the
restrictions on dumping
residues.
For co generation
projects.
9a. AgencyNL also considers a G2G-
project to study possibilities on how
to deal with feed-in tariffs and feed
the produced electricity into the
national grid, thus improving the
business case: Relevant
stakeholders in Colombia on
governmental and private level
should be identified as a basis for a
specific fact-finding mission to
further draft the Terms of
References for such a G2G-project.
To illustrate the interest in
this topic, reference was
made to studies on ao. Feed-
in Tariff and Renewable
Energy Portfolio Standard.
Besides UPME,such an
initiative would be welcomed
by the ministries of
Agriculture and the Ministry
of Environment, who in turn
could be enablers in the
discussions with the Ministry
of Energy (UPME)10.
Additional notes:
The Palm Oil sector is characterized by the concentration of large planted areas
and nearby located extraction plants. The scale of initiatives may range from
small to, more commonly, large, providing a wide range for applicable residual
biomass handling/transformation technologies. There is room for individual or joint
initiatives which may be targeted at local, regional and even remote
application/use, e.g. export of (processed) biomass. The supply of residual
biomass is expected to grow in the near future: by expansion of planted areas (for
increased Palm Oil and bio diesel production), but for solid biomas also from the
10 Ref the 2010 study started by Numark Associates Inc, Universidad Nacional and Mitsubishi Research Institute
for IADB and Ministry of Energy of Colombia on sustainable energy and biofuels strategy for Colombia
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 18 van 40
given that 20-25% of plantations will have to be replaced due to the age of the
trees.
There is an increasing interest from foreign buyers of solid biomass (EFB, PKS,
wood), however this interest has not materialized yet into actual exports. This is in
contrast with the Malaysian situation for example, where they sell all residues (and
are facing increasing soil quality concerns). In Colombia the stakeholders (not only
in the Palm Oil sector) are aware of this and are interested in finding out how to
organize a better utilization of this biomass (including possible restrictions).
The liquid residues (POME) are attractive, whether or not in combination with
other available feedstock, for biogas to energy projects. In 2009, Fedepalma
registered a sectoral CDM umbrella project11, however replication has so far not
been widespread (approximately 5 out of the 32 production facilities included in
the project), presumably due to the downfall in CER prices over the last years.
Nonetheless, several local and foreign actors are promoting the implementation of
biogas technologies in the sector.
From the Palm Oil bio diesel production there are also residues to be considered.
The crude glycerin is nowadays used / sold locally for soap production or other
applications, but interest has been shown by international companies to source
this residue for further processing (e.g. for turning it into bio methanol).
The ILUC (avoidance) discussion is important for this sector given the increasing
growth in planted area and Colombia’s envisaged further expansion of Palm Oil
and bio diesel production. According to FedeBiocombustibles, the expansion of
Palm Oil and bio fuels production (both bio diesel and bio ethanol) is conceived
from a social perspective, whereas the investments in rural agricultural
development are aimed at generating hundreds of thousands of direct
employments. There is a LCA for Colombian bio fuels, however further assistance
with sustainability assessments, development of improved land use models and
decision support data is important for the Palm Oil sector and the national
government to base their growth strategy and policies on.
4.1.2 Coffee
Table 2
Question Findings Remarks
1. What current use is being made of
Coffee residues generated, to what
extent (importance) and by whom?
Pulp & Mucilage:
- (Water) Discharges
- Compost
- Biogas production
- Ethanol production
Coffee Husk:
- Furnace fuel
Woody biomass (soca):
- Firewood
Common
Common
Limited, Pilot
Limited, Small sc.
Own & Industry
From thinnings
Common
11 Source: Fedepalma (UNFCCC, CDM Project 1942 : FEDEPALMA SECTORAL CDM UMBRELLA PROJECT FOR
METHANE CAPTURE, FOSSIL FUEL DISPLACEMENT AND COGENERATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 19 van 40
2. Which initiatives are there actually
or measures being taken to improve
the situation (cleaning up, re-use,
collection, etc)?
Pulp & Mucilage:
- Compost
- Biogas production
- Ethanol production
- Pectine recovery
- Pig feed
Coffee Husk:
- Furnace fuel
- CHP
Woody biomass (soca)
- Pelletizing
- Products e.g. furniture
To be improved
To be improved
To be improved
In development
In development
Common
In development
From thinning
Local use
No success (yet)
3. Is there any legal or policy initiative
which will influence the present use
of the residues?
Not foreseen. A better
enforcement of existing
regulation is unlikely but
would put pressure on Coffee
growers to better
discharge/utilize residues.
Complying with
voluntary
certification
schemes is
proving to be an
important driver
for improved
discharge or
utilization of
residues.
4. What solution/improvement and/or
related technology are already being
envisaged by the producers and
regarded as useful?
- Improved composting
- Improved biogas production
- Ethanol production
- Pectine recovery
- Pig feed
Coffee Husk:
- Furnace fuel
- CHP
Woody biomass (soca)
- Firewood
- Products e.g. furniture
- Pelletizing
e.g. Nanofiltration
e.g. Nanofiltration
Now imported
Improved logistics
Small plants
From thinnings
Improved logistics
Improved logistics
5. What organizational set-up is
required to start an initiative?
Organise in conjunction with
Federación Nacional de
Cafeteros & Cenicafé.
6. Which actors should be involved? Besides FNC & Cenicafé,
interested knowledge and
technology providers (ref list
AGNL) to be included.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 20 van 40
Additional notes:
The Coffee sector is characterised by a large number of Coffee growers with
relatively small Coffee plantations. Individual initiatives in this sector tend
therefore to be (mostly) small scale and targeted at local application/use.
Efforts for resource efficient production of Coffee have been primarily aimed at
reducing the amount of water used to remove the pulp in the processing of Coffee
cherries after harvest. Technologies have been developed by Cenicafe and
implemented which have reduced the specific consumption of water for the wet
processing of Coffee in over 95%. The applied technology is named Becolsub –
Beneficio ecológico de café con manejo de subproductos – Ecologic processing of
Coffee and subproduct handling.
Despite having good potential for use as an energy source, very little (if anything)
has been done to use the wet Coffee waste from the post-harvest processing, i.e.
the pulp and other biomass from the Coffee cherry, due mainly to its dispersed
distribution and uneven production in time because waste is only available for brief
periods after harvest, which lasts for only a few months per year. The main use
given to it in the farms is to produce fertilizer through composting and
vermicomposting.
After Coffee has been dried, a thin membrane remains attached to the Coffee bean
which is called “cisco” (Coffee husk) and it is removed through mechanical means
before packaging of the Coffee beans. This residual product is concentrated mainly
in intermediate Coffee storage facilities (‘trilladoras’) and it is highly demanded as
biomass fuel, having about half of the heating value of coal by weight and being
very easy to feed into combustion equipment such as boilers or kilns, e.g. for clay
brick production. Coffee husk is highly demanded from industry although it can
become more expensive than coal (in terms of cost per energy unit).
4.1.3 Banana
Table 3
Question Findings Remarks
1. What current use is being made of
Banana residues generated, to what
extent (importance) and by whom?
Leaves:
- On the field
- As wrappers for food
- Compost
Inflorescence (hart):
- Compost, piled up
Pseudostem/Trunk:
- Piled up
Non usable fruit:
- Animal feed
- Compost
Banana water:
- Discharge
For soil quality
Tamales
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 21 van 40
2. Which initiatives are there actually
or measures being taken to improve
the situation (cleaning up, re-use,
collection, etc)?
Leaves:
- On the field
- As wrappers for food
- Compost
- Fiber for e.g. crafts
Inflorescence (hart):
- Compost
- Biogas
- Pyrolisis
Pseudostem/Trunk:
- Construction material
- Pallets
- Pelletization
- Pyrolisis
Non usable fruit:
- Animal feed
- Derived food products
- Ethanol
- Pyrolisis
Banana water:
- Biogas
To be improved
In development
Desired, study
To be studied
Idea, study
In development
Idea
To be studied
Desired, study
In development
To be studied.
Idea
3. Is there any legal or policy initiative
which will influence the present use
of the residues?
‘Banatura’ oversees the
enforcement of
environmental and social
management. Additional legal
or policy initiatives not
foreseen.
The requirements
of the several
international
certification
(needed for
export) have lead
to better disposal
of residues, crop
and soil
management.
4. What solution/improvement and/or
related technology are already being
envisaged by the producers and
regarded as useful?
Ethanol production from
rejected Bananas and other
residues has been a long
lasting project (together with
ao. Universidad Nacional and
later with Universidad de
Antioquia, besides other
parties), however not yet
successful. Biogas production
on a large scale is mentioned
as potential as is also the
concept of a more ‘flexible’
biorefinery (allowing to switch
on BBE output products).
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 22 van 40
5. What organizational set-up is
required to start an initiative?
Design of a joint roadmap by
AUGURA/Cenibananos and
government, supported by
plantation owners, trading
companies and universities.
6. Which actors should be involved? AUGURA, Cenibananos,
Plantation owners and trading
companies (Uniban, Banacol
etc), MinAgricultura,
Universidad de Antioquia.
Additional notes:
In this sector steps have already been taken with regard to the ‘waste problem’,
mainly to comply with sanitary / waste management requirements embedded in
(international) Banana certification. As to the utilization of residual biomass, little
has been done yet.
The Banana sector, however, is apt for several types of initiatives for local,
regional and export application, given the large volumes of residual biomass in
large concentrated areas.
In Urabá there is furthermore a Free Trade Zone, the access by road is likely to
improve in the next years and there is already good access to maritime transport
via (flexible and up-scalable) port facilities with a current capacity of 2,5 Million
tons/year. Besides for the Banana sector, this infrastructure might be beneficial
for export opportunities for (BBE) products in other sectors.
The sector has faced and still faces serious social issues (particularly land
ownership issues and poverty in the region of Urabá). Therefore the results from
the efforts being carried out in the area of sustainable trade are welcomed by the
stakeholders as is the potential to implement sustainable biomass valorization
initiatives.
4.1.4 Sugar
Table 4
Question Findings Remarks
1. What current use is being made of
Sugar Cane (processing) residues
generated, to what extent
(importance) and by whom?
In Sugar industry:
- Bagasse: Cogeneration
- Bagasse: Paper industry
- Bagasse: Compost
- Small chaff: Compost
- Leaves: On the field
Large quantities
in (inefficient)
CHP plants
Paper long fibers
Is a problem for
combustion CHP
Considered good
for soil
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 23 van 40
- Leaves: Sometimes still
burned before harvesting
- Vinasse: Part in compost,
part on the field
- Cachaza: compost,
animal feed
In Panela industry:
- Bagasse: Fuel for kiln
- Cachaza: animal feed
- Leaves: on the field
With mechanical
harvesting less
common
From distillation.
Is considered a
problem, tending
to increase
Usually
inefficiently used
Considered good
for soil
2. Which initiatives are there actually
or measures being taken to improve
the situation (cleaning up, re-use,
collection, etc)?
In Sugar industry:
- Bagasse: Improve CHP
efficiency, composting,
increase use of fibers in
other industries (paper)
- Small chaff: Composting
- Vinasse: Mix part of it in
composting
- Cachaza: compost,
animal feed
In Panela industry:
- Bagasse: Fuel for kilns
- Briquetting
- Cachaza: animal feed
Less vinasse
directly on the
field
Improve drying
Local use e.g.
cookstoves
3. Is there any legal or policy initiative
which will influence the present use
of the residues?
Prohibition / limitation to
quantities of vinasse that is
allowed to be disposed of on
the field. Feed-in tariffs
(opening the market to sell
electricity into the grid is an
issue).
This might boost
alternative
applications e.g.
biogas from
vinasse and
eventually make
more solid
biomass available
for (other than
current CHP) use
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 24 van 40
4. What solution/improvement and/or
related technology are already being
envisaged by the producers and
regarded as useful?
Biogas production from
vinasse resulting from large
scale ethanol production,
Pelletizing solid residues
(bagasse and small chaff),
and in the panela industry
improve process and produce
briquettes with excess
bagasse, produce small scale
ethanol from cachaza.
Idea, to
developed
Idea, to be
developed
In development
DBM02011
5. What organizational set-up is
required to start an initiative?
Individual initiatives are
viable, but Asocaña is willing
to play a role in channeling
initiatives to members. Idem
for smaller initiatives,
Fedepanela.
6. Which actors should be involved? Asocaña, Fedepanela,
Ministry of Environment, local
environmental authorities
(Asocuencas).
Additional notes:
In the sugar production sector, bagasse is an important fuel and by-product for
e.g. the paper industry. Improvements of pre processing for CHP applications as
well as the CHP installations themselves, provide large scale opportunities. The
sector reports limited availability of bagasse other than for own use. However, if
CHP installations could make a more efficient use of bagasse used, the surplus for
other applications could be probably considerably larger.
Larger players in the sugar industry foresee becoming bio refineries in the future
(not only for bio fuels production, but e.g. bio plastic producers as well). Some of
those players also own Palm Oil plantations and bio fuels refineries. As noted in
the Palm Oil findings section, a significant expansion of planted areas and Sugar
Cane production (for sugar and, mainly, bio fuels production) is foreseen.
In the panela sector, lots of bagasse is used inefficiently and the utilisation of
(usually too wet) bagasse for their own process energy needs can be greatly
improved. The existing DBM project 02011 (‘Sustainability for small trapiches’
provides a good first step for replication in Colombia, because by improving the
production process, leading to better utilization of the bagasse, a surplus can be
generated, avoiding the use of firewood (often from clearings) and use of other
environmentally unwanted fuels e.g. tires and other waste products.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 25 van 40
4.1.5 Bamboo
Potential partners and actors interested in
and required for investments in
pelletization and torrefaction
Besides ECN and Universidad Tecnológica de
Pereira, little to no interest has been observed in
Colombia by the fact finding mission. Potential
partners could of course be the existing bamboo
plantation owners and in the bamboo processing
chain (bamboo is also increasingly used in e.g.
construction). There seems to be a lot of
questioning amongst interviewed parties whether
bamboo is to be preferred above other fast
growing feedstock species for energy purposes.
Experiences to date with transformation,
local use and export of pelletized or
torrefied wood or bamboo
Other than ECN’s and Universidad Tecnológica de
Pereira’s bamboo Project, as well as R&D work
performed by the Universidad Nacional, there
seems to be limited to no other experiences or
interest so far. Note: An Argentinean company
(Ecobamboo) has been expanding pelletization of
bamboo on a large scale, not only in Argentina,
but also in Costa Rica and Venezuela. Colombia
has been mentioned to be of interest to them,
however this remains uncertain.
4.1.6 Other biomass
Euphorbia Tirucalli R&D and business initiative to:
- Establish pilot plots to grow ET for energy
purposes (via biogas and/or via pelletization)
Lupinus mutabilis (Lupino) Its seeds are edible. R&D initiative to:
- Grow Lupino for other purposes e.g. extract
proteins, oils, fibers, carbohydrates, to be used
on an industrial scale, mainly Food industry.
Montrichardia arborescens (Arracacho) Business initiative to:
- Grow arracacho as replacement of wood for
paper industry and as feedstock to be pelletized
for local and export purposes.
Rice Husk Already used:
- Rice husk, although highly demanded as
biomass fuel for boilers or kilns, is often (due to
cost of logistics from rice producing areas) left
unused. To some extent it is also used in stables.
Note 1: The initiatives mentioned under ‘Other biomass’ are not a complete listing, but have
been encountered during the period the fact finding mission was carried out.
Note 2: An additional study into the availability and use of residual biomass from other
agricultural sectors such as cereals, soy and forest management seems relevant.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 26 van 40
4.2 Climate funding and certification specific questions (see also 4.5.1)
Possible local co-implementers of the
certification trainings
ICONTEC, Solidaridad, Fedepalma, FNC,
Fedecaña, AUGURA or Comité Intergremial.
Possible local co-implementers of the
climate-funding trainings
Climate Focus, CNPML, GMSP.
Sectors/actors who may participate in
such training
Sector organizations, Min.Agricultura, Min.Medio
Ambiente, Solidaridad and or Sustainability
Platform NL-Col
General expectations (a more in-depth
needs assessment will be part of the
training).
- Gain awareness about what this is, what
realistic options there are, etc.
- What work is to be done in the long-term
development of climate finance.
Additional notes:
Certification:
It is generally felt that the existing proliferation of certification schemes (and,
mainly for export reasons, the necessity to comply with several schemes at the
same time) is far from ideal.
At the same time there is also the opinion that it is a must to start developing /
adopting wider sustainability standards (e.g. NTA8080) and providing training
which at first could just be focused on creating awareness and clarifying the
implications of the adoption of such schemes on several aspects, amongst others
costs and benefits.
From the PPP Programa de Transformación Productiva (PTP) the advice is quite
clear: start preparing locally for (sustainability) certification; nowadays it is
voluntary, but also in Colombia the trend is visible that clients/markets are
starting to demand sustainably produced goods. For the Palm Oil (bio diesel) and
Sugar Cane (bio ethanol) sectors this will soon become a priority in the light of the
sectors’ exporting ambitions.
Climate Funding:
As to training of individual companies, this seems meaningful from the point of
view of trade/image improvement rather than solely from the economic point of
view. In Colombia use has been made of carbon development opportunities
(mainly CDM and to some degree under voluntary carbon schemes), however this
is more individually / case and sector specific. Also, significant (although yet
uncertain) changes to the carbon markets are expected in the near term, which
currently makes it an uncertain source for funding. Individual initiatives with
(voluntary) carbon credits potential can, however, be promoted (locally and
internationally) as GHG mitigation/compensation opportunities.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 27 van 40
From the government’s point of view, efforts should be aimed at finding out how
to structure the long-term (post 2020) development of climate funding in policy
development and facilitating/ensuring sector awareness.
4.3 Findings from the Knowledge institutions’ perspective
4.3.1 Agricultural sector research organizations
The main focus perceived from the agricultural sector’s research institutes is
increasing of (crop/soil) productivity and to tackle sanitary issues. Soil quality
conservation issues and knowledge about the type and amount of biomass to be
left ‘behind’ for that purpose are increasingly being considered as ‘need to know’.
Furthermore there is an evident need to enhance decision making knowledge on
most suitable locations for cultivation. Improved GIS data is perceived as being
essential.
4.3.2 Universities
Universities participate actively in research programmes with the agricultural
sector organizations, state institutions (e.g. Colciencias) and (large) commercial
organizations as e.g. Ecopetrol, Argos, EPM, Zenú, P&G and other businesses as
Ladrillera San Cristóbal, to further investigate into large scale applications of
technologies such as gasification (Syngas production), torrefaction, 2nd generation
bio ethanol and bio diesel production. The feedstock is diverse, focusing on
residual biomass from Sugar Cane, Palm, Coffee, Banana, Rice, flowers, floating
wood washed away in rivers, etc.
However, there is need for further co operation with businesses and knowledge
institutions as well as funding for further research and implementation of research
infrastructure (hardware for testing facilities, tooling/lab equipment, methods &
standards, etc).
As to the added value of knowledge building for (Dutch) businesses, both
Colombian and Dutch stakeholders argue that such efforts actually help businesses
to better assess the potential of investments.
Note: Proposals for K-K co-operation, e.g. Utrecht University’s proposal for the
creation of a Centre of Excellence, WUR’s proposal for research into options for
valorization of biomass residues as well as B-K / B-G co operation such as
proposed by CIWK in the field of improving GIS data and modelling, fit well in
fulfilling the abovementioned needs.
4.4 Findings from the Government’s perspective
4.4.1 Policies
Colombian policies on biomass use currently focus on large scale, 1st generation
energy applications. However, a relevant current legislative initiative (delayed and
pending approval at the time of this report) to be mentioned is the ‘Política
Nacional de Desarrollo Rural’ which foresees on rural, off-the-grid, energy
applications.
Besides, there is a growing need to further work on policies that will enable
Colombia’s further growth ‘from the basic’ towards high value valorization of
cultivated and residual biomass, adoption of 2nd generation and BBE technologies.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 28 van 40
Furthermore, Colombia has rural, off-the-grid electrification, renewable energy
deployment and emissions reductions goals. In this context it is generally
underlined that (residual) biomass utilization (valorization) can play an important
role in that ambition.
The government is well aware of the (worldwide) ILUC debate which is also
hovering over the Colombian agricultural sector, especially but not exclusively with
regard to bio fuels production. Therefore capacity building in order to better assess
which land can be best used –or is not to be touched is needed for policy making
and business decision support:
- What are the best locations for cultivation? (Improved GIS data essential)
- Energy-Materials-Biochemistry from biomass competition: to which extent
stimulate local use in Colombia and at the same time increase biomass use for
applications with export potential?
- Models for co-operation (existing and need for improvement of co-operation)
with other Ministries, sector organizations, knowledge institutions and
businesses?
The Ministry of Agriculture expressed the need to draw a Roadmap (together with
other ministries and entities) for further activities, in which a link can be made
with the goals of the PPP Programa de Transformación Productiva (PTP) and the
already in section 4.3.2 mentioned K-K / K-G activities, possibly as part of the
support the Netherlands could provide.
4.5 Cross sectoral issues
4.5.1 Sustainability and certification
The only available Colombian norms for bio fuels refer to liquid bio fuels, i.e.
ethanol and biodiesel. These establish primarily the technical requirements for
production, quality, transportation, distribution and mixing with fossil fuels
(gasoline and diesel).
Any norm that involves health, environment and safety issues (among others) is
developed by ICONTEC then adopted by the national government and, if
applicable, used in legislation. Usually the law mentions the general aspects and
makes reference to the norm for specific issues.
There are other technical norms and guidance documents related to the handling
and use of biomass waste and their potential use for energy generation, but they
only mention briefly the different paths which might be followed for such purpose
(e.g. bio digestion for the obtainment of biogas and direct combustion).
There are no norms related to the production of solid fuels from biomass nor are
there currently any on-going processes or projects to normalize the production
and use of solid biomass fuels and nor are they foreseen in the near future.
The elaboration of norms through ICONTEC follows a process that gives priority to
those norms which are of national interest as defined by the government, but
norms of private interest may be developed if monetary resources are available
(ICONTEC doesn’t receive any funding from the national government, thus any
private interest for development of norms must be paid for or enter a queue).
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 29 van 40
The transfer of knowledge and information (e.g. diffusion of European standards)
could be best channeled through the training and normalization departments of
sectoral organizations, seeking involvement from the Ministries of Environment
and Energy as well as, at a more technical level, ICONTEC.
The following table gives an overview of the norms in Colombia related to biomass
fuels and biomass waste:
Table 7
Code Title Update Date of
ratification
Developing
comitee
NTC 5308 Denaturalized
anhydrous
ethanol fuel from
biomass for
mixing with
motor gasoline,
used as fuel in
spark ignited
internal
combustion
engine vehicles.
None 03/11/2004 Liquid fuels,
alcohol fuels and
biodiesel.
NTC 5389 Denaturalized anhydrous ethanol and its missing with motor gasoline. Storage.
None 26/10/2005 Liquid fuels, alcohol fuels and biodiesel.
NTC 5414 Denaturalized anhydrous ethanol Transport.
None 26/04/2006 Liquid fuels, alcohol fuels and biodiesel.
NTC 5444 Biodiesel for use in diesel engines. Specifications.
None 25/10/2006 Liquid fuels, alcohol fuels and biodiesel.
NTC 5708 Biodiesel B100 for diesel engines. Road
transport by cistern truck or tanker.
None 30/09/2009 Liquid fuels, alcohol fuels and biodiesel.
GTC 213 Sustainability guide for the production and processing stages of biomass in the bio fuel chain in Colombia.
None 17/08/2011 Liquid fuels, alcohol fuels and biodiesel.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 30 van 40
NTC 5522 Good agricultural practices. Traceability in the food chain for fruits, herbs and fresh vegetables.
None 29/08/2007 Quality assurance.
NTC 5778 Good agricultural practices for fruits, herbs and fresh vegetables. Harvest and post harvest.
None 28/07/2010 Quality assurance.
NTC 5811 Good agricultural practices for cacao. Harvest and processing. General requirements.
None 15/12/2010 Quality assurance.
NTC 4710 Analysis for the flamability potential of waste.
None 24/11/1999 Solid waste.
NTC 4711 Sampling of waste and soil for analysis of volatile organic compounds.
None 24/11/1999 Solid waste.
GTC 53-7 Guide for the use of non hazardous organic solid waste.
First 26/04/2006 Solid waste.
NTC 4709 Sampling of solid waste for chemical analysis through SOXHLET extraction..
None 24/11/1999 Solid waste.
NTC 5167 Agro industry products. Organic products used as fertilizers and soil conditioners.
Second 23/03/2011 Agroindustry products.
Source: Icontec
Furthermore the adoption of voluntary sustainability certification schemes such as
‘Sello verde’ and ‘Bon sucro’ are to be mentioned.
As stated in section 4.2, it is generally felt that the existing proliferation of
certification schemes is far from ideal (as is the necessity, mainly for export
reasons, to comply with several schemes at the same time e.g. GAP, RSPO, Global
Compact, Fair Trade, UTZ etc.).
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 31 van 40
But it is also felt that it is a must to start developing / adopting wider
sustainability standards (e.g. NTA8080) and providing training which at first could
just be focused on clarifying the implications of the adoption of such schemes on
several aspects, amongst others costs and benefits.
From the PPP ‘Programa de Transformación Productiva’ the advice is to just go
ahead and start preparing locally for (sustainability) certification; nowadays it is
voluntary, but also in Colombia the trend is visible that clients/markets are
starting to demand sustainably produced goods.
Note: Expansion (eventually for bio fuels production) of Palm Oil and Sugar Cane
plantations are being done / envisaged in degraded, abandoned or former pasture
land; however, this is not (yet) certified, and might become an issue for the local,
but even more so, for the export ambitions of bio fuels produced in Colombia12.
4.6 General remarks
- Except for some initiatives (like pectin recovery from Coffee pulp, processing of
residues into animal feed, into products, composting), businesses, sector
organizations and governmental policies are currently aimed primarily at (1st
generation) energy applications of residual biomass.
- It is observed that many respondents, especially from the business companies,
are not willing to make investments without testing pilots first, given the
perceived risk of implementing quite novel (residual biomass transformation)
technologies.
- Many voices express the conviction that Colombia should not just ‘send over
biomass’, but instead squeeze the most of it out in Colombia first (valorization)
and afterwards use the rest or export it.
- The current widespread application in all investigated sectors of residual
biomass for composting might turn out to be an adequate way to positively
contribute to soil quality. Improvements in composting methods might be
needed, both in the light of optimizing residual biomass utilization as well as for
possible GHG emissions reductions.
Government, sectoral organizations and businesses in Colombia coincide in the
need to find out how to better utilize residual biomass. Therefore knowledge of
valorization options (including restrictions and sustainability issues), available
biomass conversion technologies and improved information (quantitative +
qualitative) about residual biomass are essential preconditions. In the following
section a translation of the findings in terms of opportunities will be provided.
12 At present there is no export of bio fuels from Colombia yet, due to production capacity, certification, and
legislation barriers.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 32 van 40
5 Potential for Dutch technology and consultancy providers,
Knowledge Institutions and Govenmental bodies
5.1 General opportunities
5.1.1 Palm Oil
There are (medium and large scale) opportunities:
- Methane capturing, biogas to energy (POME only, POME + solid biomass)
- Solid biomass (EFB, Fiber, PKS) pelletizing
- Glycerine processing and/or trade from biodiesel plants
- CHP plants and process improvement.
5.1.2 Coffee
There are (small and, to a limited extend, medium scale) opportunities
- Biogas projects
- Ethanol projects
- CHP plants
- Improved composting.
5.1.3 Banana
There are (medium to large scale) opportunities:
- Ethanol production projects (on industrial scale)
- Bio refineries
- Biogas projects.(note: AUGURA is not paying for feasibility studies, but
proposals are welcomed and facilitated)
- Derived products from rejected fruits (e.g. animal feed)
- Improved composting
- Pelletizing solid biomass (from Banana woody biomass or e.g. used pallets)
- Pallet production from solid biomass.
5.1.4 Sugar Cane
5.1.4.1 Sugar & ethanol
There are (medium to large scale) opportunities:
- (CHP) Process efficiency improvement in sugar mills
- Biogas production, ao. to solve environmental problems associated with excess
vinasse from large scale ethanol production
- Pelletizing bagasse and small chaff for local industry (and perhaps export)
- Improved composting.
5.1.4.2 Panela production
There are (small scale) opportunities:
- Ethanol production
- Bagasse pelletizing or briquetting (due to size of trapiches, ease and cost of
production) for local use.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 33 van 40
5.2 Technology
5.2.1 Proven
Bio digestion
Gasification
Pelletizing equipment
Nano filtration
Industrial plants (ethanol, CHP).
5.2.2 Innovative
Torrefaction
Pyrolisis
Bio refineries.
5.3 Knowledge Transfer
5.3.1 Knowledge Institutions
Capacity building in and assignments on GIS modelling, Soil (management)
modelling, Valorisation scenario’s
Better quantification of quantities of available residual biomass per feedstock,
further than the 2010 ‘Atlas del Potencial Energético de la Biomasa Residual en
Colombia’ in order to obtain more detailed, reliable, up to date and uniform
data
Capacity building on 2nd generation (bio fuels and BBE) technologies
Further study also into opportunities in other agricultural sectors such as
cereals, soy and forest management
Support with methods and tooling / hardware for laboratories and testing
facilities.
5.3.2 Other Engineering/Consultancy firms
GIS modelling
Energy systems / Energy efficiency
Sustainability
Certification
Climate funding.
5.4 Policy making
There is need for co-operation on: Assuring availability and use of adequate (GIS) decision support data Biomass use and BBE development policy and roadmap formulation Classification of usage of biomass Sustainability assessment (at least ILUC issue parting from fastest growing
sectors) and implementation of sustainability criteria for solid bio fuels.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 34 van 40
6 Conclusions & Recommendations
6.1 Conclusions
From the findings it can be concluded that Colombia is clearly ‘moving out of the
basic’, as is evidenced by the need in all sectors to find out how to better utilize
residual biomass in order to enable rural development, renewable energy and GHG
reduction ambitions. Therefore knowledge of valorization options (including
restrictions and sustainability issues), available biomass conversion technology
and improved information (quantitative + qualitative) about residual biomass is
mostly lacking and is an essential precondition to be met.
Soil management is increasingly gaining attention. Sectors are aware of the
importance of assessing the amounts of biomass that should be considered for soil
conservation in biomass valorization scenario’s. The current widespread
application of biomass for composting might turn out to be a positive way to deal
with this soil management aspect, however this would need further investigation.
The sector organizations and the government are well aware of the ILUC debate,
especially but not exclusively with regard to bio fuels production. Therefore
capacity building in order to better assess which land can be best used –or is not
to be touched- is needed for policy making and business decision support.
At present there is a variety of opportunities, ranging from small scale to large
scale, proven to innovative technology applications. Notwithstanding interesting
developments in K-G-B co operation on biomass utilization initiatives, it is
observed that Colombian (and for that matter, also Dutch) initiatives tend still to
be rather isolated.
6.1.1 Opportunities
The Palm Oil, Sugar Cane (for sugar and ethanol production), and Banana sectors are
interesting from both sustainability and scale’s perspective (medium to large scale) for
energy and BBE applications. In these sectors medium to large scale initiatives are
possible, e.g. CHP (process improvement), biogas production, and solid biomass
processing for export. In the Banana sector, medium to large scale opportunities can be
identified, e.g. ethanol production, biogas projects, re utilization and further processing
of solid biomass and BBE applications.
Sugar Cane (panela production) and Coffee are interesting more from a sustainability
perspective and rural development applications (mostly energy, some BBE). In these
sectors mainly small scale opportunities can be further developed, e.g. small ethanol
production facilities, small biogas applications, small BBE initiatives.
Other initiatives (Euphorbia Tirucalli, Lupinus mutabilis, Montrichardia arborescens)
might also be interesting from a sustainability, rural energy applications, and BBE’s
perspectives.
Capacity building in biomass valorisation scenario’s, biomass conversion technologies
(e.g. 2nd generation bio fuels and other BBE applications), land use and soil
(management) modelling, GIS modelling, sustainability criteria and certification, is seen
as a necessity by all stakeholders and applies to most G-K-B initiatives.
Knowledge institutions expressed their need for support with methods and tooling /
hardware for laboratories and testing facilities.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 35 van 40
6.1.2 Institutional embedding
The residual biomass utilization potential has the attention of the Colombian
Governmental bodies, knowledge institutions and businesses alike. As stated
before, initiatives often tend to be developed in isolation by each sector/entity,
however, there is willingness to channel or initiate initiatives via sectoral
organizations, knowledge institutions, and governmental bodies.
Government officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment and
Ministry of Energy (through its agency UPME) welcome co operation with the
Dutch government, for which a joint development agreement is being formulated,
to work towards the formulation of a roadmap and policies for further
development of the biomass potential.
6.2 Recommendations
Based on the above, the following recommendations are given to AGNL to take into consideration in their NPSB support program (as in their joint efforts with TF): On the short term supporting small/decentralized (pilot) applications can play
a crucial role; they eventually contribute to build infrastructure which is
needed for up scaling/replication.
Interest in economically viable large scale initiatives is evident, while support
for small scale applications is not, unless you look at sustainability
(environmental and social) impact. Therefore support for small scale,
sustainability (environmental and social) impact oriented initiatives make
sense, which should furthermore best be channelled via sector organizations.
It is recommended to link and co ordinate already identified proposals for K-G-
B co operation (e.g. UU, WUR, CIWK, PTP) in the field of analysis of existing
data, improving GIS data and modelling as soon as possible.
Efforts should be made to provide further support for a Colombian-Dutch G-G
co operation towards the formulation of a roadmap and policies for further
development of the biomass potential.
Working ahead in preparation for the possible creation of a
Biomass/BBE/Waste window under the umbrella of the Holland House is to be
advised. Possible instruments could be defining a common strategy and
executing via e.g. the AGNL PIB programme, linking B-B, B-K, K-G and G-G
initiatives.
As to embedding K-G-B initiatives in a coherent Colombian-Dutch co operation
scheme it is advised to align potential initiatives via NPSB and TF with ongoing
developments from the side of the Sustainability platform COL-NL, the Ministry
of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Energy (UPME).
On (sustainability) certification, it is recommended to start developing a
training on certification (reasons and alternatives). As to climate funding topics, the focus should be on creating awareness
among stakeholders (ideally wider than the 4 sectors) who in due time can do
something with climate funding.
Individual initiatives with (voluntary) carbon credits potential should, when applicable be supported and promoted (locally and internationally) as GHG mitigation/compensation opportunities.
Institutional work is to be done with the already mentioned governmental and sector organizations on how to structure the long-term (post 2020) development of climate funding.
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 36 van 40
Annexes
Annex 1: Colombia – key data
Official name: Republic of Colombia
Capital: Bogotá
Other principal cities: Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla
Area: 1.141.748 Km2
Population: 46.366.000
Population Growth: 1.13% per annum
Life expectancy: 74.8 years
Main ethnic groups (in order of
prevalence):
Mestizo, White, Afro-Colombian (and Mulato), and
Amerindian
Language: Spanish (72 indigenous languages recognized in certain
territories)
GDP per capita: US$7.131
GDP per sector: Services: 52.7%, Agriculture: 9.3%, Industry: 38%
Main industries: Services, Petrochemical industries, Agriculture, Mining
Agricultural products: Coffee, Banana,Palm Oil, Sugar, Rice, Flowers, Meat,
Tobacco, Cocoa, Vegetables, Forest products
Natural resources: Petroleum, Natural Gas, Coal, Iron Ore, Nickel, Gold,
Emeralds, Copper, Hydropower
Main exports: Crude Petroleum, Coal, Coffee, Banana, Flowers
Main export partners United States, Venezuela, Europe, China, Chile
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 37 van 40
Annex 2: List of organizations interviewed
Feedstock Country Organization
Sugar Cane COL Asocaña
COL Cenicaña
COL Fedepanela
COL Ingenio Mayagüez
COL Ingenio Riopaila
Palm COL Fedepalma
COL Cenipalma
COL Daabon
COL GRADESA
COL PTP
Coffee COL/NL Federación Nacional de Cafeteros
COL Comité Departamental de Cafeteros
COL Cenicafé
COL Café El Balcón
COL Ambientalmente
COL MCCH via NCH
Banana COL AUGURA
COL Banacol / Ecothermia
All COL Ministerio de Agricultura
COL UPME
COL Ministerio de Medio Ambiente
COL Universidad Nacional
COL Universidad del Cesar
NL Solidaridat
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 38 van 40
NL Climate Focus
COL EcoEnergyBusinessgroup
COL Fundación Horizonte Limpio
COL Biomas S.A.S.
COL SIMAECOLOGYC
COL SIMAB SAS
NL AWARE
NL Copernicus Institute
NL WUR
NL ECN
NL Biomass Research
NL Zebra
NL Hofstatter
NL DMT
NL CPM
NL WMS
NL PROCES Groningen
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 30th October 2012
Pagina 39 van 40
Annex 3: References
Ecofys, Sustainable Biomass Identification Mission for Colombia, Stakeholder and sector
analysis, (2011)
ClimateFocus, A COLLABORATIVE FRAMEWORK FOR COLOMBIA AND THE
NETHERLANDS: CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND LOW-CARBON DEVELOPMENT
COOPERATION PLATFORM, (2012)
Business Monitor International, Colombia Agribusiness Report Q4 2012, (2012)
UPME, Atlas del Potencial Energético de la Biomasa Residual en Colombia, (2010)
METASUS, Opportunities in waste management and biomass in Colombia, (2011)
Climate Focus, Climate Finance for Biomass, (2012)
Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 16th November 2012
Page 40 of 40