Forest and agro-industrial residues and bioeconomy: perception of use in the energy market in Costa Rica

Abstract

In Costa Rica, a diversification of the energy matrix has been developed, regarded as a source of energy of great potential in the short term. However, the current market is unclear and has multiple deficiencies that are necessary to identify and the government lacks studies that allow it to understand the current market. The study analyzed the perception of the biomass market with forest residues and agro-industrial in Costa Rica and their potential for development under a circular economy scheme. For that producers, intermediaries and consumers of arboreal and agro-industrial biomass in the North Zone of Costa Rica were employed, analyzing the market from a technical, environmental, financial and social perspective and identifying the variables that limit the market. The results showed similarity between agro-industrial and forest markets, as well as in ecological and social aspects, with similar perceptions between the sectors analyzed. However, the financial and technical elements presented significant differentiation, specifically in terms of the price of the biomass, homogeneity of the same (both species and presentation) and associated costs, in addition to the competence of other biomass fuels. The analysis showed that biomass variability in how much performance affects 42.5% of the market, species variation 24.8%, moisture content 10.6%, biomass availability in time 8.4%, organization and market structure 8.9% and other variables and 6.8%. If a market structure is needed in terms of biomass sales and articulation between producers and demanders together with key intermediaries for the viability of biomass market in Costa Rica.