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A sectorial analysis and a logarithmic mean Divisia Index (LMDI) technique are used in this paper to decompose the energy intensity of the state of Sao Paulo from 1995 to 2012 into the economic activity effect and the energy efficiency effect. This study contributes the following observations: (1) The world energy intensity has decreased steadily, but the energy intensity of the Sao Paulo state has been volatile and has declined 2.3% since 1995. (2) In the period of study, declining energy intensity of the primary and tertiary sectors was observed. In contrast, the energy intensity of the secondary sector has been gradually increasing. (3) The energy efficiency effect was the primary driver of energy intensity change through 2007, and the economic activity effect subsequently had an increasingly more important role in the change. (4) The economic structure remained constant until 2004 when the services sector shift became more significant. It is hypothesized that the increasing energy intensity from 2005 to 2009 was caused by the growth of inefficient sugarcane bagasse consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the potential of biogas from anaerobic digestion of vinasse and its impact in different contexts. The use of vinasse biogas (VBG) for power generation is evaluated and the potential of this energy source is compared with fossil oil power plants in terms of energy, costs and greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions in Brazil, suggesting a program where the most expensive oil power plants are replaced by biogas plants with benefits in all aspects. Secondly, the use of vinasse biomethane (VBM) to replace natural gas (NG) in the state of São Paulo is examined, presenting an incentive program that could make this alternative fuel feasible even in smaller scale plants with minimal impact on NG costs in this state, while providing considerable emission reduction. The impact of VBG considering the increase in ethanol production over the next ten years is also evaluated, showing that substantial additional energy can be obtained and larger amounts of fossil fuels can be replaced. By crossing vinasse biogas potential with selected fossil fuels demand, the article brings insights to help the transition to a low-carbon society in a novel approach. The conclusions are that VBG and VBM can provide great benefits, such as USD 1 billion/year cost reductions and 6.7 million tons CO 2e /year emissions avoided by replacing fossil oil by biogas in power generation in Brazil and 3.2 million tons CO 2e /year avoided with biomethane replacing natural gas in the state of São Paulo, which, with specific programs and policies, could be achieved. • Vinasse biogas could replace fossil oil and natural gas in Brazil. • Electricity from vinasse biogas avoid GHG emissions at lower costs than oil plants. • Vinasse biomethane can replace natural gas in São Paulo with minimal cost increase. • Vinasse biogas can substitute more fossil fuels with increased ethanol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]