Renewable Energy from Cocoa Waste Biomass in Ecuador’s Coastal Region: Advancing Sustainable Supply Chains

Coastal regions of Ecuador, particularly Esmeraldas and Manabí, face significant challenges related to energy access, waste management, and sustainable agricultural development. This study evaluates the renewable energy potential of cocoa waste biomass generated by smallholder farms in these provinces. A total of 20 cocoa farms, either certified or in the process of certification under the Rainforest Alliance standard, were surveyed to quantify the volume of agricultural and agro-industrial residues. Residual biomass generation ranged from 50 to 6500 tons per year, depending on farm size, planting density, and management practices. Spatial analysis revealed that Esmeraldas holds the highest concentration of cocoa waste biomass, with some farms reaching a gross energy potential of up to 89.07 TJ/year. Using thermochemical conversion scenarios, effective energy potential was estimated, and 75% of the farms exceeded the viability threshold of 100 MWh/year. The results confirm the feasibility of cocoa biomass as a renewable energy source, mainly when managed collectively at the community level. Incorporating this waste into decentralized energy systems supports circular economy models, enhances energy self-sufficiency, and aligns with sustainable supply chain goals promoted by certification schemes. This study contributes to national efforts in energy diversification and provides a replicable model for integrating renewable energy into rural agricultural systems.