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The vulnerability of electric potential generation from water resources has been evidenced due to uncertainties of climatic origin and energy planning. Changes in rainfall regimes are multifactorial phenomena difficult to model. Rainfall is the main natural way of restoring the reservoir levels of hydroelectric power plants. The reduction in rainfall levels may increase in the coming years, resulting in a probable change of the energy matrix configuration of the state of Minas Gerais (MG). This could reduce the share of renewable sources increasing dependence on the importance of energy from fossil fuels, which are the immediate primary sources of energy available. Prior examinations have portrayed the depletion of hydroelectricity in Brazil, or its macro-regions, however this work tries to supply a more focused look at the effects on the electricity and social sectors of the state of Minas Gerais. The study developed in this paper aims to investigate the hydrological potential alteration impacts and consequences on the energy matrix of the state, the greenhouse gas emissions and the social reflexes of these changes due to scenarios motivated by climate change. The investigation intends to show the importance of the water-energy-emissions nexus for energy planning and decision-making, in order to evaluate the best options for dealing with adverse and potentially destabilizing conditions. The results of the analyses show that while hydropower demand was 5.24 Mtoe in 2015, in 2030 the supply of hydropower will be 5.81 Mtoe and 4.72 Mtoe, for the conservative and severe scenarios, respectively. In addition, the effect of climate change may require an increase in the share of non-renewable sources in the energy matrix, which could increase CO 2 e emissions from 4.2% to 7.4% by 2030, compared to the levels in 2016. • Reduction in rainfall levels will change the energy matrix configuration of MG state. • Population growth will boost demand for energy. • It is shown the importance of the water-energy-emissions nexus for energy planning and decision-making. • The energy matrix may considerably increase the CO 2 e emissions by 2030, compared with 2016 levels in the MG state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: While biofuels have currently been regarded as a good alternative for fossil fuels, there remain many debates on their impacts on human and environment. This paper tried to shed light on bio-ethanol in Brazil as one of the main producers and exporters in the world. The main question was to understand “how sustainable is bio-ethanol production in Brazil?” To answer, the political motives of producing bio-ethanol followed by its ecological and socio-economic impacts were discussed. The paper concluded that although bio-ethanol production in Brazil seems environmentally friendly, it might socio-economically be hazardous. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Brazilian Amazon Region is living with the consequences of governance based on predatory extraction of its natural resources, bringing little or no benefit to the local population. The region suffers from socioeconomic inequality and lack of basic infrastructure. The populations of the Amazon Region, if and when supplied with electricity at all, are provided with a low quality service based on energy generation from fossil fuels, subject to difficulties in terms of access and logistics, and negative environmental impacts. There have been programs aimed at the universalization of electricity services, such as the current Programa Luz para Todos (Light for All Program), but they have not succeeded in altering this scenario in the North region of the country. In this paper we present the result of these initiatives and an overview of the Isolated Systems in the Amazon Region. We propose in this paper that the provision of electric energy be effectively considered part of a plan for generating wealth and employment for the region''s inhabitants, whilst preserving the environment. The solutions offered to each community should take into account the need to manage renewable energy sources, should be developed together with local populations, and drawing on the lessons learned from other projects. The specific characteristics and needs of the communities should be taken into account and local people should be empowered as citizens by means of their involvement in the development possibilities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sustainability is a fundamental topic to be addressed in the establishment of a market for jet biofuels in Brazil. The objective of this paper is to enhance the discussion on sustainability of biofuels, and to discuss the main gaps to meet the requirements of sustainability for four groups of feedstock: sugars and starch, oil, lignocelluloses, and wastes. Some general common conclusions can be made for all the analyzed feedstock. In the social sphere, the main positive impacts are the high potential for job creation, income generation and regional development. Regarding the gaps for compliance with sustainability requirements, the following aspects were common to all groups of feedstock: great number of laws and rules; different interpretations and lack of knowledge on how to apply some laws; certain labor laws not adapted to the rural context. The main potential positive impact generated by compliance with requirements is greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions compared to fossil fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid polygeneration systems offer a great opportunity to meet growing energy demands with cost efficiency and environmental benefits. The identification of the optimal solution (configuration and operational strategy) is strongly affected by the relationship between the system and its surroundings. Previous studies have analyzed the influence of boundary conditions on the synthesis of polygeneration systems for buildings. However, local regulations are often disregarded or oversimplified in those studies. Therefore, this paper aims to evaluate the influence of legal conditions on the integration of renewable energy technologies in polygeneration systems for buildings. A comprehensive synthesis model is developed, including different types of legal conditions, such as power exchange modalities, subsidies/surcharges on energy prices and investment costs, and total ban on fossil fuels. Then, the model is applied to the case study of a Brazilian hospital. The current Brazilian net metering scheme is implemented. Results show that natural gas cogeneration is an attractive solution to cover the hospital's energy demands with or without the possibility of selling/exporting electricity. Also, the Brazilian net metering scheme, by itself, is not enough to ensure renewable energy deployment. An in-depth discussion about the conditions that would promote renewable energy integration is reported and recommendations are made on how current policies can be improved, including the need to explicitly address renewable technologies, the application of minimum renewable fractions, and the role of renewable heat/cooling. While the case study considers the specific circumstances in Brazil, it provides insights that can be extended to other countries or applications. • Synthesis model of hybrid renewable polygeneration systems for buildings. • Influence of legal constraints on the integration of renewable energy technologies. • Power exchange modalities, subsidies/surcharges, and fossil fuel ban are considered. • Technical, economic, and environmental analysis of a Brazilian hospital case study. • The Brazilian net metering scheme did not promote renewable energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil fuels dominate the current energy and chemicals' supply and this leads to a rapid growth in global greenhouse gas emissions. One mitigation option is using renewable feedstock for materials, chemicals (ethylene, propylene, acrylic acid and butanol) and, mostly, energy carriers (biodiesel, renewable jet fuel, ethanol and bioelectricity). This study demonstrates the effects of an economy based on biomass (bioeconomy) on macroeconomic aspects through a Computable General Equilibrium model. Three scenarios for 2030 were created to compare different levels of production (amount of chemicals and energy production through fossils versus biomass) for Brazil, based on sugarcane, soy and forest crops. Two important methodological aspects of this paper are the financial support provided by the government to enable the bioeconomy, and the limitations in land use established by the needs to reduce emissions. Overall, the results show that a bioeconomy could result in almost irrelevant negative impacts on GDP and in small increases in unemployment rate comparing to the reference scenario. However, these effects could be reversed, even with no deforestation, if the livestock and agriculture sectors increased their efficiency regarding land. Most importantly, if the livestock sector worked as a source of land for other crops in the event of a bioeconomy, the socioeconomic response would be more positive than if deforestation took place. • This study analyzes the impacts of a bioeconomy on the Brazilian economy in 2030. • It includes biochemicals, bioenergy and biomaterials based on sugars and lignocellulosic materials. • The analysis includes land use, restricting the increase in land endowment, or deforestation. • Results show that actions are needed regarding land productivities to prevent negative impacts on the economy. [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]

Global greenhouse gas emissions from energy production were approximately 40% higher in 2017 than in 2000 (International Energy Agency, 2018), and ambient particulate matter – one of the byproducts from fossil fuel combustion of most concern for public health – is now the fifth largest contributor to global disease (Cohen et al., 2017). Achieving the climate targets of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals requires better accounting for climate and health costs in energy planning. This paper quantifies trade-offs between selected energy infrastructure, climate, and health costs when meeting future electricity demand by increasing the share of renewable energy, with a focus on variable renewable energy (VRE; here: wind and solar photovoltaic power). Using a spatially and temporally resolved approach, we analyzed three scenarios for year 2030 for Northeast Brazil, characterized by 30%, 45%, and 70% of VRE (the latter corresponds to 100% renewable energy). We find that accounting for the health impacts from electricity generation is sufficient to economically justify deep decarbonization of Northeast Brazil's power sector. Full decarbonization is economically justified when the carbon price exceeds $20/tonne CO 2 , which is less than Brazil's country-level social cost of carbon and only 4.8% of the global social cost of carbon. Our study shows that regional climate and health costs from electricity generation alone can be greater than the additional infrastructure costs of decarbonization. Our results highlight how systematically accounting for health and climate costs in energy planning would economically justify the decarbonization of energy systems. • We quantify trade-offs between selected infrastructure, climate, and health costs. • We simulate scenarios with up to 100% renewable energy in Northeast Brazil. • We model the power system, particulate matter dispersion, and health impacts. • Country-level social costs of carbon and health costs justify deep decarbonization. • Health and climate costs should be systematically incorporated in energy planning. Theme: Techno-socio-economic and sustainability aspects of renewable energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]