Potential Use of Palm Oil and Cocoa Waste Biomasses as Sources of Energy Generation by Gasification System in the State of Pará, Brazil

Abstract

Regional development in the state of Pará (Brazil) continues to be limited by lack of access to energy. This is a problem that is widespread in several rural communities and agricultural regions. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the potential use of palm oil and cocoa processing waste biomass, which are abundant in the state and whose energy capacities can be used to generate electricity in biomass gasification plants. To do so, a literature review on elementary and calorific value analysis of palm oil (empty fruit bunches, fibers, kernel shell and cake, trunks, and others) and cocoa (pod husks) were conducted. The findings have shown that both waste biomass materials have satisfactory energetic characteristics for use in gasification plants. Thus, palm oil and cocoa processing waste biomasses are alternative energy sources for producers of these fruits in upstate Pará, enabling the development of the region.