Bioenergy transition as a strategic mechanism to diversify energy sources in rural areas in Colombia

S. Villegas¹*, L. Rocha-Meneses²*, M. Luna-delRisco¹, C. Arroyave¹, C. Arrieta¹ and C. Arredondo¹

¹University of Medellín, Faculty of engineering, Carrera 87 #30-65, postal code 050026, Medellín, Colombia
²Technology Innovation Institute, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research Center, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 9639, United Arab Emirates
*Correspondence: svillegas@udemedellin.edu.co; Lisandra.Meneses@tii.ae

Abstract:

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.

Key words:

bioenergy, fossil fuel, greenhouse gas, livestock, manure

Trends in milk yield productivity and emissions from the dairy sector in Latvia

L. Paura¹, L. Berzina¹*, L. Degola², E. Aplocina², D. Kairisa², D. Jonkus² and O. Skiste³

¹Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Information Technologies, Department of Control Systems, Liela street 2, LV–3001 Jelgava, Latvia
²Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Sciences, Liela street 2, LV–3001 Jelgava, Latvia
³Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Environment and Civil Engineering, Department of Environment and Water Management, Akademijas street 19, LV–3001 Jelgava, Latvia
*Correspondence: laima.berzina@llu.lv

Abstract:

Dairy cow productivity continuously increased in Latvia in recent years. Despite decreasing numbers of dairy cow population dairy farms have been identified as an important source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Dairy sector emissions create the largest share of enteric fermentation emissions as well as emissions from manure in housing facilities, during long-term storage and field application within agriculture sector total emissions. The main objective of this study is to present the results of trend analysis in the productivity of the dairy sector and corresponding emission in Latvia. Research is focused on analysis of dairy cow productivity and feeding strategies to quantify the effect of increasing milk yield on GHG emissions. In the framework of this research, emissions were calculated and evaluated for low and high productivity dairy cows according to the methodology of ‘2019 Refinement to the 2006 Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories’. During the last decade dairy cow productivity in Latvia has increased and the average milk yield in standard lactation was 8,320 kg per year in 2021. It was observed that 60% of the total number of dairy cows met the requirements of a high-productivity system, while 40% of the dairy cows belonged to low-productivity systems in Latvia. Research results show that total GHG emissions for high-productivity system can reach 5.3 kt CO₂ eq. per 1,000 cows per year, however, for low-productivity system the total amount of emissions does not exceed 3.1 kt CO₂ eq. per 1,000 cows.

Key words: