O crescimento dos biocombustíveis no Brasil

Abstract

The reduction of fossil sources and climate issues have been triggering the search for renewable alternatives. Biofuels, as they are produced from clean and biodegradable sources, have become an ally in the fight against greenhouse gas (GGE) emissions, in addition to bringing profitable and sustainable income. Large-scale production in Brazil highlights biodiesel, biogas and ethanol. This work aims to research in the Google Scholar and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO) databases the growth in the production of biofuels manufactured from different raw materials, such as sugar cane, corn and waste from both agroindustry and urban. Official documents including laws, programs and government bills were also consulted. Reports issued by companies specializing in the subject were extremely important in enriching this work. For example, the Energy Research Company provides concise data on the annual production of biofuels, in addition to identifying the main raw materials used in the production process. In 2022, Brazil produced around 29.9 billion liters of ethanol, combined from both sugarcane and corn processing. Biodiesel consumption in the same year reached 6.6 billion liters. 2nd generation ethanol (E2G) is attractive to the national market, as in addition to being sustainable, it emits fewer polluting gases. Brazil already has two E2G plants in operation and 8 more units are under construction. Finally, the production of biogas and biokerosene is becoming relevant in the country, since the sources are the same as those that produce the biofuels already mentioned above.