Impact of the Biodiesel Blend (B20) Strategy “Club de Biotanqueo” (Biofueling Club) on the Socioeconomic and Environmental Aspects in Medellín, Colombia

Abstract

In Latin America, countries leading the production of biofuels are Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, in which biodiesel and bioethanol have impacted the most the transportation matrix, due to their production costs and their impact for marginal emergent regions. In Colombia, biofuel production is on the rise due to the benefits presented by certain regulations and incentives ruled by the government. In Colombia, biodiesel is produced on a large scale from palm oil, due to the plant’s year-round production and the environmental conditions that make its cultivation optimal in Colombian territory. Certain organizations support biofuel production, such as the National Federation of Palm Oil Farmers (Fedepalma), which is responsible for supporting palm farmers and improving competiveness in the oil agribusiness. Additionally, the National Federation of Biofuel (Fedebiocombustibles) aims to strengthen and support various regional projects. This article discusses a new regional strategy (in the city of Medellin), consisting in a Club de Biotanqueo (Biofueling Club), which includes the Association of Dump Truck Drivers from Antioquia (Asociación Antioqueña de Volqueteros (DTDA)). This association represents a market that has been intensely accused as one of the main contributors to air pollution increase in the Aburra Valley. The strategy consists in using a blend mix of biodiesel higher than the one established in the CONPES regulation (B10: 10% biodiesel and 90% diesel), reaching 20% mix (B20). This article aims to analyze and present the main expected social, economic, and environmental impact of this strategy. Results and conclusions of this article show benefits and possible opportunities for replication of the strategy in different areas of the country while showing evidence of a significant reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.