Bioenergy transition as a strategic mechanism to diversify energy sources in rural areas in Colombia
Laen...
Kuupäev
2023
Kättesaadav alates
Autorid
Villegas, S.
Rocha-Meneses, Lisandra
Luna-del Risco, M.
Arroyave, C.
Arrieta, C.
Arredondo, C.
Ajakirja pealkiri
Ajakirja ISSN
Köite pealkiri
Kirjastaja
Estonian University of Life Sciences
Abstrakt
The growth in population has resulted in an increase in the consumption of goods and
services, which has led to a surge in waste generation and the use of fossil fuels. To mitigate the
envi-ronmental issues associated with improper waste management and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions from fossil fuels, residual organic matter can be used to produce bioenergy in the form
of biogas and biomethane through anaerobic digestion (AD). These biofuels can act as substitutes
for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas (NG) and can be utilized for power and heat
generation. In Colombia, the current production of biogas is 4 MW, and the government aims to
increase its utilization by promoting the inclusion of biogas and biomethane in the energy matrix
through a supportive regulatory framework. Studies suggest that the theoretical energy potential
of livestock waste in Colombia is estimated to be 2,673 MW, but the current technological
conditions allow for the utilization of only 198 MW, with the pork sector contributing 34%. This
study examines the legal context and the present state of biogas in the Colombian energy matrix,
while exploring the potential of the Colombian pig farming sector for biogas production. The
social, economic, and environmental barriers and opportunities faced by this sector in becoming
an energy producer during the transition period are also identified. The findings suggest that
biogas presents a sustainable energy solution for rural areas of Colombia where pig farming is a
prominent economic activity. Biogas can replace traditional fuels like LPG and firewood for
cooking purposes or serve as a complementary source for electricity and thermal energy
production in non-interconnected zones. This could mitigate environmental issues and reduce the
prevalence of respiratory diseases associated with the use of firewood.
Kirjeldus
Received: February 1st, 2023 ; Accepted: May 27th, 2023 ; Published: October 14th, 2023 ; Correspondence: svillegas@udemedellin.edu.co, Lisandra.Meneses@tii.ae
Märksõnad
bioenergy, livestock, fossil fuel, greenhouse gas, manure, articles