Integration of Colombians Forest Commercial Crops in Thermochemical Biorefinery Concepts: A Review

Abstract

The technical, energy, social and environmental benefits of the integration of commercial forest crops in Colombia under biorefinery concepts are evaluated. This concept is part of various programs and government policies that consider the energy use of biomass as an alternative source to the silvicultural potential of the country. In this paper we review some specific processes that can be evaluated as integration strategies with high potential to use the wood planted in Colombia under biorefinery concepts. The processes considered are low-middle power gasification, industrial scale gasification to high quality biofuel production, wood pretreatment to improve the solid biofuel and alternative methods for biochar production. Finally, we also review the value-added wood products market. To conclude we highlight the potential of Colombian forest in this industry, Through strategic alliances between universities, research centers and the forestry sector, more efficient and innovative development of new value-added products should be sought, taking advantage of the unexplored market opportunities in Colombia for bioenergy and bioproducts. This review aims to advance knowledge on the features and possible uses of forest species to produce bioenergy, biofuels, and bioproducts sustainably.

Keywords

• bioenergía, biomasa, bioproductos, biorrefinería termoquímica, plantaciones forestales comerciales.