fact finding mission biomass colombia · 2013-11-29 · fact finding mission biomass colombia |...

Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia

Fact finding Mission Biomass Colombia | 16th November 2012

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.


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]

[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


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


Phone: +57 314 6820322


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


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


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.


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


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.


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.


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.


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.


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


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


3 Source: Federación Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia.

http://www.federaciondecafeteros.org/particulares/es/quienes_somos/119_estadisticas_historicas/


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


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


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.


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


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


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


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


- 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


- 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.


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



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


Pagina 21 van 40




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



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.




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).


Pagina 22 van 40



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



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


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




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



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


Pagina 24 van 40




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



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.


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.


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.


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.


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).


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.


NTC 5444 Biodiesel for use in diesel engines. Specifications.


NTC 5708 Biodiesel B100 for diesel engines. Road

transport by cistern truck or tanker.


GTC 213 Sustainability guide for the production and processing stages of biomass in the bio fuel chain in Colombia.



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.


NTC 5811 Good agricultural practices for cacao. Harvest and processing. General requirements.


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.


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..


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.).


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.


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:


- Bagasse pelletizing or briquetting (due to size of trapiches, ease and cost of

production) for local use.


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.


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.


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


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


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.


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


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


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


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)


of 40

fact finding mission biomass colombia · 2013-11-29 · fact finding mission biomass colombia |...

Documents