Bioenergy: understand the concept of sustainable energy that totals R$200 billion in investments
- REDAÇÃO H2RADAR
- Oct 22, 2024
- 2 min read
With growing global concern about climate change, the role of bioenergy in the Brazilian energy scenario stands out in a crucial way. According to the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), this renewable energy source prevented the emission of 14.9 million tons of CO₂ in 2023, reinforcing its importance in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a more sustainable energy matrix. The relevance of bioenergy goes beyond simply generating electricity, being a key tool for the energy transition and decarbonization.
The Role of Biomass in Bioenergy Generation
Bioenergy is produced from a variety of natural sources, known as biomass . These raw materials include firewood, biogas, sugarcane bagasse, black liquor, and forestry residues. In Brazil, these sources support a vast network of 637 thermoelectric plants , which together have an installed capacity of 17,384 megawatts (MW) , contributing significantly to the national energy matrix.
Among the main types of biomass, sugarcane bagasse is the most widely used source, responsible for generating 12,410 MW of power in 422 plants . This residue, which comes from ethanol production, is a strategic component for both the agricultural and energy sectors, demonstrating Brazil's ability to integrate its production chains in a sustainable manner. In addition, biogas , extracted from urban solid waste, and black liquor , a byproduct of the cellulose industry, also play fundamental roles in generating clean energy.
Advances and Records in Energy Generation from Biomass
The year 2023 was a landmark year for bioenergy in Brazil, with energy generation from biomass reaching a historic record. According to the Electric Energy Trading Chamber (CCEE), 3,218 average megawatts (MWm) were generated, which represented 4.6% of all energy demand consumed in the country. This number surpasses the previous record from 2020, which was 3,140 MWm . The growth in installed biomass capacity by 223 MW in 2023 is an indication that this renewable energy source is expanding rapidly.
For 2024 , expectations are even more promising, with a projected increase of 1,155 MW in installed capacity, which will represent the largest growth ever recorded in the historical series. This advance reinforces Brazil's position as a global leader in the use of bioenergy, showing that the country is well positioned to take advantage of its vast natural resources to generate energy in a sustainable manner.
Bioenergy and the Future of Sustainability
The use of bioenergy is one of the main strategies for reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. According to Embrapa experts, the responsible and well-managed use of biomass can play an essential role in the global transition to a cleaner energy matrix. This is especially relevant in the current context of accelerating adoption of sustainability policies, where renewable energy sources are increasingly gaining space in international debates.
Brazil, with its abundance of natural resources, is in a privileged position to continue expanding the use of bioenergy, both for domestic consumption and for the export of technologies and expertise. The energy transition in the country, which has been driven by the increase in the supply of biofuels and the reduction of carbon emissions, is essential to face the challenges of climate change and promote more sustainable economic development.Bioenergy: understand the concept of sustainable energy that totals R$ 200 billion in investments.
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