GIS-Based Assessment of Banana Residual Biomass Potential for Ethanol Production and Power Generation: A Case Study

Purpose Banana is one of the most important fruit crops in the world. The plant bears one bunch in its life, leaving behind a large amount of agricultural residues (starchy and lignocellulosic biomass), which could be used for different purposes such as bioenergy. Ecuador is the largest exporter of banana fruits. Methods In this work, the potential of banana residual biomass produced in the province of El Oro, Ecuador for bioenergy applications was assessed using Geographic Information Systems—GIS. The methodology included the assessment of biomass distribution, facility location, transport optimization and a novel virtual land parcel that allows for these kinds of studies in areas with lack of geo-referenced information. Results According to our approach, El Oro province has an available biomass potential of 190,102 t fm year −1 of starchy residual biomass and 198,602 t dm year −1 of lignocellulosic residual biomass. Two candidate points located at 79°51′12″W3°11′21″S and 79°52′49″W3°17′49″S were identified for the installment of energy conversion facilities supplied with residual biomass. Conclusions From the available potential of starchy biomass it would be possible to obtain up to 19 million liters of bioethanol per year assuming an average yield of 101.2 l t −1 fresh matter; while the available lignocellulosic biomass, which energy content (Lower Heating Value, moisture free biomass) was determined at 12.9 MJ kg −1 on average, could be used for power generation with an installed capacity of 18 MW. Chemical characterization of the lignocellulosic biomass suggested that further studies should be undertaken regarding the potential application of these crop residues to second generation bioethanol.