Ecopetrol (NYSE: EC) is trialing an innovative use for petroleum coke, a carbon-rich refining byproduct, to enhance soil fertility in forest ecosystems as part of its broader decarbonization and circular economy strategy.
Through its Instituto Colombiano del Petróleo y Energías de la Transición (Icpet), Ecopetrol is conducting experimental research at its Cartagena refinery to evaluate the benefits of using coke as a soil amendment. The ongoing pilot involves 156 native forest plants—guayacán and cañaguate—grown in a controlled nursery environment where the coke-based soil additive is being tested for its impact on growth and soil health.
Produced in significant volumes—around 3,000 tons per day—the coke from Cartagena’s refining operations has traditionally been used as an industrial fuel. But Ecopetrol is now exploring a secondary use aligned with environmental goals: improving degraded soils while simultaneously sequestering carbon and enhancing forest-based biomass production.
“We’re working to return essential nutrients like carbon and magnesium to the soil while exploring new biomass energy alternatives,” said refinery manager Ernesto Gómez. He emphasized the refinery’s commitment to supporting Ecopetrol’s decarbonization targets through projects that benefit both the environment and Colombia’s agroforestry sector.
The initiative also aims to lay the groundwork for new biomass energy sources derived from enhanced forest growth. Icpet director José Vicente Villamizar framed the effort as a model for sustainable development: “This project is one of our most significant contributions to the circular economy, transforming waste into opportunities for local communities and ecosystems.”
Preliminary results indicate a marked improvement in biomass yield, with final results expected by the end of 2025. If successful, the program could become a template for sustainable coke utilization across other refineries in Latin America.