Assessment of the Potential for Biogas Production in Post-Conflict Rural Areas in Colombia Using Cocoa Residues

Carlos Burgos-Arcos, Diana M. Caicedo-Concha, Alberto Coz (), Tamara Llano, Juan Carlos Colmenares-Quintero and Ramón Fernando Colmenares-Quintero ()
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Carlos Burgos-Arcos: School of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Riobamba 060150, Ecuador
Diana M. Caicedo-Concha: Engineering Research Institute (In3), Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Cali 111321, Colombia
Alberto Coz: Department of Chemistry and Process and Resource Engineering, University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
Tamara Llano: Department of Chemistry and Process and Resource Engineering, University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
Juan Carlos Colmenares-Quintero: Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
Ramón Fernando Colmenares-Quintero: Fundacion BERSTIC-Science, Technology Innovation & Culture Network, Carrera 79 # 36–32, Medellín 050025, Colombia

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 12, 1-23

Abstract: This paper studies the potential of utilizing cocoa residues to address energy demands in post-conflict regions of Colombia. Through a systematic review, the findings indicate that cocoa byproducts from 170 municipalities could produce enough biogas to power a population nearing one million inhabitants. Three main residues can be obtained from processing cocoa—mucilage, cocoa bean shells, and cocoa pod husks—which are analyzed and recognized as the most significant in terms of potential biogas yield. The review highlights a considerable gap in existing research regarding the specific characteristics of cocoa residues and their biogas production rates. Additionally, this study emphasizes the need to investigate pretreatment methods for these materials, particularly cocoa pod husks, as well as the critical impact of transportation logistics. It also suggests exploring integrated valorization strategies and various energy conversion pathways. Finally, the article emphasizes the importance of establishing markets and promoting new initiatives to effectively utilize this abundant amount of waste. The insights gained from this analysis are relevant to similar regions, not only across South America but also in any cocoa-producing area worldwide.

Keywords: biomass; agricultural residues; cocoa production; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); post-conflict regions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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