The decarbonization pathway via biomethane production in Costa Rica: the Q methodology
(M.Sc. Thesis)
Contact: bioeconomy@uni-passau.de
Costa Rica’s energy matrix is largely based on renewable electricity, yet fossil fuels remain dominant in transportation and industry. The country is now developing a national biomethane strategy to leverage agricultural residues (pineapple, coffee) as part of its decarbonization pathway. However, integrating biomethane into the energy system depends on alignment between diverse stakeholders across sectors (agriculture, transport, energy, government, civil society, research, etc). This project will explore how key stakeholders perceive the role of biomethane in Costa Rica’s energy transition, exploring points of consensus, controversy, and the conditions under which stakeholders would support investment. The student may apply qualitative methods such as interviews, workshops, or Q-methodology (i.e. mixed method) and will map relevant actors to provide a comprehensive view of the biomethane policy landscape.
Improving public legitimacy of the bioeconomy: a contingent valuation approach in Costa Rica
(M.Sc. Thesis)
Contact: bioeconomy@uni-passau.de
The development of circular bioeconomy innovations, such as biorefineries that process residual biomass, depends not only on technical feasibility, but also on public support. In Costa Rica, public perception of the pineapple industry is shaped by concerns about environmental and social impacts. Understanding how citizens perceive new bio-based products (e.g. bioenergy, fiber, animal feed) derived from residues is critical to ensure legitimacy and social acceptance of future investments. In this project, the student will investigate citizen attitudes towards biorefinery development and potential public and private investments in this sector. The study could apply survey-based methods, such as contingent valuation, to assess support for allocating resources to circular bioeconomy projects (biorefineries). Results will provide insights on how inclusive policies and community participation may enhance public acceptance and legitimacy of residue valorization in Costa Rica.
