## 1 Introduction
The high initial costs of renewable infrastructure, limited access to advanced grid technologies, and economic reliance on fossil fuel exports continue to hinder the transition in developing economies, which must balance economic growth with sustainability commitments. Ultimately, while the expansion of renewable energy is critical to mitigating climate change, its success depends on integrated policy frameworks, financial investment, and technological innovation. In the largest emerging economies, studies suggest that the adoption of renewables, particularly in the power sector, is a key driver of emission reduction, with significant potential to lower carbon intensity per unit of GDP. However, without strong international cooperation, regulatory alignment, and substantial financial support, the global transition to clean energy will remain fragmented and uneven, limiting its full potential to address the environmental crises associated with fossil fuel consumption [7]. The signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015 marked a milestone in international efforts to combat climate change by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Carbon neutrality is presented as a key objective to achieving a balance between emissions and offsets [4]. However, the energy transition is uneven, with regional initiatives reflecting economic and structural disparities. While the European Union is moving forward with its European Green Pact to reduce CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050, Latin American countries--where cocoa shell biomass is widely available--face different challenges in their energy transition. Many of these nations still rely significantly on fossil fuels, highlighting the need for alternative bioenergy sources such as cocoa shell vaporization to contribute to emission reductions and energy diversification. The global landscape also faces challenges such as volatile energy costs and geopolitical dependence on fossil resources [5; 6]. The transport sector accounts for almost 20% of global GHG emissions, driven by urbanization and economic growth [7]. The integration of renewable technologies in the electricity sector is crucial to meeting decarbonization goals, as evidenced by the expansion of renewables in the global energy mix. In 2022, the electricity sector saved USD 520 billion due to the adoption of renewables, which proved more competitive than fossil fuels in 86% of new power generation projects [8; 9]. While wind and solar energy have been pivotal in transforming electricity generation, the transport sector requires alternative renewable solutions, such as biofuels and electrification, to achieve significant emission reductions. In Latin America, which contributes only 8.3% of global emissions [10], the energy transition also implies a profound structural change in production and consumption patterns. Bioenergy generation emerges as a promising alternative, especially in regions with high agro-industrial production. In Ecuador, agricultural residues, such as those generated by cocoa, bananas, and sugar cane, represent valuable resources for energy production. Currently, the biomass derived from cocoa shells is used to a limited extent as much or fuel in local facilities, missing its potential as a source of bioenergy and value-added products [11; 12]. Ecuador, recognized as one of the world's top cocoa producers, generated approximately 337.15 metric tons of cocoa in 2022, with the fine aroma variety CCN-51 being particularly significant. However, for every ton of dry beans produced, up to 10 tons of shells are generated as waste [13], posing substantial challenges for sustainable management. While some of this biomass is repurposed, a considerable portion, including shells and placentas, is discarded, highlighting the need for effective waste valorization strategies [14]. Given this scenario, the development of sustainable and efficient methods for cocoa by-product utilization is of paramount importance to mitigating environmental impacts and enhancing economic sustainability [15].