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Results obtained by UNal researchers are comparable to the achieved by laboratories in leading countries in this field.

Velásquez claims the research project is supported on the strength of the Colombian biodiversity.

In order to improve production they are using native microorganism strains to which they make genetic improvements.

Second generation biofuels are produced from residual biomass.

Specifically, the research group uses sugarcane bagasse, an abundant solid waste product in Colombia.

First generation ethanol is produced from food products (corn or sugarcane juices).

“The research project was supported on the strength of the Colombian biodiversity. Many of the successful results have been achieved based on microorganisms obtained in our countryside,” said Mario Enrique Velásquez, Chemical Engineer and member of the UNal Chemical and Biochemical Processes Research Group. 

The difference between first and second generation biofuels are the raw materials used to create the products. 

First generation ethanol is produced from food products (corn or sugarcane juices) impacting the food chain from its source. Second generation biofuels are produced from residual biomass. 

Specifically, the research group uses sugarcane bagasse, an abundant solid waste product in Colombia. 

 “First generation biofuels directly impact food prices as opposed to second generation biofuels where impact is direct on the final product,” said Velásquez during the Residual Biomass Sustainable Energy Use International Seminar. 

Velásquez also said they are using native microorganism strains to which they perform genetic improvement processes and perform crossings among them to achieve greater effectiveness in available sugar use in these substrates. 

According to Velazquez the results obtained by UNal researchers are comparable to the achieved by laboratories in leading countries in this field. 

“The ethanol and sugar levels that must be achieved are similar to those obtained in international centers. We have practically the same production levels. These achievements have been the work product of students and researchers alike,” he said. 

“We now have a clear definition and a technological roadmap. Although we still have some stages to complete, at a laboratory level we can say we are obtaining ethanol from these solid substrates for a year and in a short while we will begin to see how to use them at a commercial level,” said Velásquez.