The Secret to Brazil's Carbon Reduction: Sugarcane!
In Brazil, the transportation sector is undergoing a green revolution, with a heavy focus on bioethanol derived from sugarcane. This renewable energy source has been a cornerstone of Brazil's energy strategy since the 1970s, and it has enabled the country to replace over 50% of its petrol consumption with ethanol, avoiding nearly 1.4 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions since its inception.
Brazil currently produces over 43 billion liters of ethanol annually, contributing to a transport energy matrix that is 22.5% renewable—significantly above the global average of about 3%. Key elements of Brazil’s bioethanol-driven decarbonization include flex-fuel vehicles, integration of biofuel production with food, feed, and power sectors, and leadership in global bioethanol production.
The latest efforts and prospects for further decarbonization include the 2024 “Fuel of the Future” legislation, which establishes ambitious targets such as expanding ethanol use up to E35 blends (35% ethanol in gasoline) and increasing biodiesel blends to B25 by 2030. Additionally, there are initiatives aiming to integrate biofuels and biogas further into the energy and transport sectors, including sustainable aviation fuels as a new market opportunity.
One notable development is Toyota do Brasil's collaboration with Japanese and Brazilian developers on the world's first flex-fuel HEV. In 2024, the company plans to produce a compact flex-fuel hybrid vehicle (HEV) for export to 22 countries, with an investment of 45 billion yen.
Bioethanol is not limited to powering vehicles in Brazil. It also extends to generating electricity and hydrogen. The CO₂ emissions from bioethanol through engine combustion are offset by the CO₂ absorbed during sugarcane growth, resulting in net-zero atmospheric emissions.
Brazil promotes the use of ethanol through national policy, and flex-fuel vehicles are commonly sold in the country, although they are little-known in Japan. In Brazil, even the gasoline is not just gasoline, but a blend with ethanol. Gas stations in Brazil offer ethanol alongside gasoline and diesel, making it an affordable choice for many customers.
This focus on renewable transportation fuels positions Brazil as a global benchmark, with a strong foundation in sugarcane-based bioethanol and emerging expansions into other bioenergy sources to further decarbonize its transport sector across road, marine, and aviation modes. The country's ongoing decarbonization project involving industry and academia aims to build Brazil's future as a leader in renewable energy.
References:
- Brazil Biofuels
- Petrobras
- São Paulo's Biomethane Initiative
- Toyota do Brasil
- Brazil's Biofuels and Bioenergy
- In environmental science, Brazil's environmental-science community is making strides in the field of climate-change mitigation, particularly through the extensive use of bioethanol derived from sugarcane in the transportation industry.
- The booming bioethanol industry in Brazil has caught the attention of international finance giants, enticing investments in the energy sector, as the country aims to become a world leader in renewable energy.
- With advancements in technology, Brazil is exploring opportunities to expand its bioenergy production, integrating biofuels and biogas into various sectors like energy, aviation, and marine transportation to further minimise its carbon footprint.
