Technical economic and environmental assessment of biorefinery schemes by agro-industrial residues approach in Santander

The global interest in using waste from agro-industrial processes through implementing new clean technologies is rapidly increasing. Research confirms the innumerable benefits of using other biomass to obtain chemical products, biofuels, fuels, and energy, among value-added products. Among the benefits, it is highlighted that using processes incorporating clean technologies makes obtaining added value while conserving the environment possible. This work aimed to evaluate the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of valuing agro-industrial waste present in Santander (Colombia), such as coffee mucilage, cocoa, and pig manure under biorefinery-type processes, where different products desired by the economic sector of the study area can be obtained. Initially, a basic level of three biorefinery schemes is designed, where the main products are hydrogen, methane, biogas, and biofertilizer. Subsequently, technical, economic, and environmental indicators were evaluated for each scheme to finally integrate these indicators and select the best alternative for the Santander context.