Geospatial Assessment of the Energy Potential of Agricultural Residual Biomass in Cordoba, Colombia: A Technical Basis for a Decentralised Energy Transition

Jesus D. Rhenals-Julio; Stiven J. Sofán-Germán; Mirna P. Iriarte; Jorge I. Martínez; Taylor De la Vega González; Jorge M. Mendoza-Fandiño

doi:10.3390/environments13040199

journal article Open Access Apr 03, 2026

Geospatial Assessment of the Energy Potential of Agricultural Residual Biomass in Cordoba, Colombia: A Technical Basis for a Decentralised Energy Transition

Jesus D. Rhenals-Julio

Stiven J. Sofán-Germán

Mirna P. Iriarte Jorge I. Martínez Taylor De la Vega González

Jorge M. Mendoza-Fandiño

Environments Vol. 13 No. 4 pp. 199 · MDPI AG

View at Publisher Save 10.3390/environments13040199

Abstract

This study examines the potential of using agricultural residues for energy production in the Córdoba department of Colombia in response to the need to diversify the energy matrix and reduce inequality in energy access. The aim was to estimate and visually represent the energy potential of nine key crop residues using agricultural data from 2015 to 2018, physical-energy characterisation, and UPME and SERI models integrated into a geographic information system (GIS). A total annual generation of 2.6 million tonnes of residual biomass was identified, with Tierralta, Lorica and Montería emerging as the main generators. Although maize did not produce the largest volume of residue, it had the highest theoretical energy potential (2621 GWh/year) due to its low moisture content and high calorific value. The total theoretical energy potential of the available biomass was estimated at 4550 GWh/year, which could cover over twice the department’s electricity demand and avoid around 745 thousand tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. This study demonstrates that the strategic use of this biomass can promote a just and sustainable energy transition and proposes a replicable model combining technical and territorial analysis to inform public policy and encourage decentralised bioenergy projects.

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Published: Apr 03, 2026
Vol/Issue: 13(4)
Pages: 199
License: View

Authors

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Jesus D. Rhenals-Julio