Bioenergy Production Analysis in Ecuador

Christian Parra M.
Gabriel Barriga B.
Ricardo Narváez
Abstract
This paper describes the current state of bioenergy production in Ecuador, its present distribution among areas, present projects, and the current legal framework focusing on the evolution of each sector. It is analyzed the future development in function of energy subsides and current incentives for renewable energy in Ecuador. The studied sources are; Biofuels: historical production, legal implications, current projects; Cogeneration: main producers, raw materials used, current energy production; Firewood: historical consumption, health implications. It was also reviewed the status of bioenergy production from biodigestion, landfill gas recovery, and waste to energy.

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Conclusions
Bioenergy in Ecuador represents the 2.8% of the primary energy matrix and is obtained mainly from sugar cane bagasse electric cogeneration. However, other forms of bioenergy have not been developed properly mainly because of energy subsides. Regarding biofuels, only specific pilot projects have been conducted. It is expected that the policy given by Executive Decree No. 1303, will generate a growth in the sector mostly for biodiesel. Respecting waste to energy, main constraints are related to the lack of policies promoting the exploitation of wastes. Only punctual projects have been carried out primarily driven by the commercialization of carbon credits. The electricity cogeneration in Ecuador based on biomass has been developed by the private industry mainly sugar cane mills. It is expected a growth of this sector because of the feed in tariffs emitted by CONELEC. Finally, energy derived from firewood accounts with 1.7% of the primary energy matrix. 259216 families still use biomass as their main energy source. This fact should be analyzed by the government, and several attempts to reduce the risks associated with the activity must be promoted. Read Article