Colombia Biomass Knowledge Co-operation

This bilateral collaborative project between Colombia and the Netherlands is set up to support the development of a sustainable biobased economy in both countries. The project facilitates this development by aiming at building a long-term science and innovation collaboration between Colombia and the Netherlands in sustainable agricultural biomass production, biomass valorisation and bio based economy.

The Colombian Ministry of Agriculture (MADR) submitted a "propuesta" in which the Colombian needs and wishes were outlined and which was used as a basis for setting up a programme. The main goal was stated to be the development of biomass production chains for energy production in which the development of a model towards second and third generation fuels and feedstocks was the main priority. Sub-priorities included:

1. Identification of advanced fuels and feedstocks for energy production.
2. Definition of production locations for advanced fuels and feedstocks.
3. Implementation of regulatory policies and norms for advanced bioenergy/biofuels production.
4. Strengthening the R&D infrastructure for advanced conversion technologies and feedstock production.
5. Strengthening the technical infrastructure for advanced biomass conversion research.
6. Development of a system for technology transfer and technical assistance at production level and agricultural industries.
7. Capacity building in agricultural industries.
8. Structure the national and international market for agri-energy and co-product.

The Ministry asked for a clear focus on the palm oil and sugar cane sectors. These two sectors represent the current biofuel industry in Colombia. The industry needs to be developed in a sustainable way and to be connected with the state of the art in sustainable production and added value. Foundation DLO, Instituut Food & Biobased Research, together with partner Rijksuniversiteit Groningen are carrying out this project.