Search

Energy simulations are extensively employed by researchers and designers to assess strategies aimed at enhancing the thermal performance or energy efficiency of buildings. However, the methodologies for conducting these simulations and analyzing their outcomes vary according to regional standards and among research groups. This work aims to investigate the methods for evaluating the thermal performance of buildings through energy simulations, through a systematic literature review. Initially, the authors surveyed articles published between 2011 and 2022 on Scopus and Web of Science. From an initial pool of 1463 articles that met the research criteria, a refined list of 158 papers were read completely. The authors examined prevalent trends in the methods and identified future research directions. Most publications originated from authors in Northern Hemisphere, with only Brazil showing expressive numbers in the Southern Hemisphere. The results revealed the three most employed methods: Thermal Load (94 %), Degree-Hour (or Degree-Day) (9 %), and Design Days (5 %). EnergyPlus stands out as the widely preferred software (65 % of studies), and 62 % of them incorporate some form of validation or calibration. Articles often lack complete simulations parameters and/or clarity in their presentation. In response to the identified gaps, this study introduces a checklist of best practices for presenting the simulation steps. As such, this work serves as a valuable theoretical framework for future assessments of building thermal performance through computer simulation. • We reviewed 185 papers on methods to evaluate therm. Perform. Via energy simulations. • Thermal Load (94 %), Degree-Hour (9 %) and Design Days (5 %) are the most used methods. • EnergyPlus and ASHRAE are the most used software and standard, respectively. • Literature gaps include comparative studies and conversion strategies among methods. • Standardized protocols for model calibration and validation are still limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is a case of the achievement of a high share of wind energy integration to an interconnected power system in an emerging market. A series of successful energy supply programmes and a strong renewable-oriented finance framework implemented since 2002, have promoted alternative renewables – wind installed capacity increased over 22-fold from 927 MW in 2011 to 21 GW in 2022, reaching 11.77% of total procured power. From this, about 90% are concentrated in Brazil's least developed region, the Northeast, where wind investment should create jobs and propel socioeconomic development. Despite that, there is no studies specific assessing the regional and economy-wide effects of those programmes, gap that this paper aims to fill by applying the regional Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model TERM-BR10. We assess that by modelling an alternative scenario for the period 2010-19 based on an official electricity matrix built in 2010, that projected 3.4 additional GW of wind power while not considering all the success of renewable policies, against the observed installed capacity expansion, where wind power was 3.7 times higher than what had been planned. Our results show that in the absence of renewable policies, Brazil would have faced economic losses such as GDP (−0.27%) and investment (−4.76%). The Northeast region would have been the most impacted in terms of GDP (−1.3%), real wage (−2.99%) and employment creation (−0.1%). We propose that such socioeconomic co-benefits are incorporated in energy planning, which could promote regional equality through renewable energy expansion. • Wind power capacity increased over 20-fold from 2011 to 2022. • 90% are in the poorest region where policies propel development and job creation. • Policy absence would entail a GDP loss of 0.27% nationally and of 1.3% in the region. • Negative impacts to labour market are mostly over skilled jobs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The so-called energy transition has been associated with decreasing dependence on fossil fuel energy and low environmental impacts. Additionally, several communities worldwide still face energy poverty, with no or limited access to energy services. This paper evaluates the environmental and economic aspects related to replacing diesel-based power systems with photovoltaic and battery storage systems in a small indigenous community in northern Brazil. Nine environmental categories were analyzed for the life cycle perspective, from which it was established that the benefits of the photovoltaic system outperformed the diesel-based system in seven of the nine categories i.e., climate change (by a difference of 189.8 t CO 2 -eq over the system's lifetime, i.e., 300 MWh generated over 25 years), fossil depletion (by 66.7 t oil-eq), environmental toxicity (by 1.4 t 1,4-DCB-eq), particulate matter formation (by 1.5 t PM10-eq), photochemical oxidant formation (by 4.8 t NMVOC), terrestrial acidification (by 2.5 t SO 2 -eq), and eutrophication (by 1.7 t nutrients-eq). On the other hand, metal depletion showed similar values for both cases, while the diesel-based system was associated with lower human toxicity (by 14.8 t 1,4-DCB-eq) given the high usage of toxic metals when manufacturing the battery systems. Regarding the economic aspects, from stochastic analysis, the results for replacing diesel-based systems result in average savings of around 9 thousand USD over 25 years. Hopefully, these positive results might stimulate policy efforts that lead to mitigating energy poverty in Brazilian indigenous communities. • LCA and economic analysis of a PV and battery system compared to a diesel-based one. • The PV and battery system is superior in seven out of nine environmental categories. • The PV and battery system leads to savings of around 9 thousand USD over 25 years. • Social benefits are highlighted with a loss of power supply probability of only 0.2%. • The results of the paper might stimulate policy efforts to mitigate energy poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane mills currently use sugarcane bagasse to cogenerate heat and electricity, supplying the process with mechanical, thermal and electrical energy. Some of these plants are able to produce surplus electricity to export to the national grid. With the improvement in collection techniques, sugarcane straw has also become available and has been used in some mills as fuel for steam boilers, mixed with sugarcane bagasse. However, due to different traits compared to bagasse, the use of sugarcane straw may pose additional problems of incrustation and corrosion on heat exchange surfaces. Several alternatives and technologies have been studied and tried out in order to increase the production of surplus electricity. Among others, biomass integrated gasifier–gas turbine combined cycle (BIGCC) is a promising technology. However, several attempts have resulted in failure, whether on a pilot or industrial scale. Biomass gasification integrated with internal combustion engines can become an opportunity for generation of small power capacity (<15 MW) and integrated to sugarcane mills. This paper analyzes the difficulties and barriers to increasing electricity generation in the sugarcane industry through studies, projects and experimental and industrial-scale installations that have already been carried out. • Bagasse and cane straw show great potential for electricity generation. • Sugarcane industry in Brazil accounts for 6.4% of the electricity generated. • Biomass integrated gasification and combined cycle can increase electricity generation. • Technological and economic challenges are major barriers to the development of BIGCC. • No BIGCC project already implemented is currently in commercial operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of public policies have emerged worldwide as a response from governments facing climate change effects, drawing the attention of the scientific community to the outcomes and actual effects/benefits these policies have brought so far. One of the challenging aspects related to this context is the integration of the objectives set by climate change policies within the sectoral and regional planning. In this respect, the literature recognizes the relevance of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as an instrument to deal with climate change issues in the planning process and to support the development of alternatives to respond to climate change policies. The influence of climate change policies on the plans and programs supported by SEA in emerging economies is yet to be verified. The paper relies on the case of Brazil, recognized by its relevance in terms of biodiversity, water resources and climate regulation. In 2009, Brazil introduced the National Policy of Climate Change (NPCC), which established guidelines to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by 2020. The present paper is based on the analysis of the current SEA practice and the corresponding level of integration of climate change issues, considering the objectives of the NPCC. A set of 29 statements, delivered by the literature, was applied, combined to the content analysis techniques to review the quality of 35 SEA reports produced in Brazil between 1997 and 2014 (out of 40-odd cases). The outcomes indicate the performance is similar to what was found in other contexts, i.e., SEA areas barely address climate change issues. This thus reveals an important gap between the objectives of NPCC and sectoral/regional planning. SEA can contribute to reducing this gap, but it needs more strength to influence the development of sectoral and regional policies and plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the end of 2013 to the end of 2015, Brazil faced serious challenges to supply its demand for electricity due to a prolonged drought in the Southeast and Northeast regions with the consequent loss of hydroelectric generation. This paper presents an historical analysis of major world energy crises from 1988 to 2015 and in Brazil from 1924 to 2015. Analysing the natural river flow of key Brazilian dams from 1931 until 2017, this paper suggests that hydropower generation in Brazil has a 10–15 years cyclical pattern of hydropower generation. The periods of drought in this cyclical pattern usually coincides with energy crises due to the reduction in hydropower generation. It was found that the drought in 2015 had an impact of 110 TWh in hydropower generation, from which 25 TWh are due to head loss and 70 TWh are from lack of stored hydropower in July of 2014. In addition, 48 TWh were not generated due to delays in the construction of new power plants. Other causes of the Brazilian energy crisis of 2015 are presented and the overall electricity generation impact of these causes are compared. In addition, this paper presents the impacts on the energy, water and food supply sectors in Brazil, and the strategies employed to reduce the impact of the crises. With the intention of preventing future energy crises, the paper then shows the potential alternatives to improve electricity supply security in Brazil, particularly in terms of diversifying and widening the share of renewable sources and increasing the energy storage potential of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade several scientific papers have dealt with the damages fossil fuels did to our environment. Carbon dioxide has been blamed the chief culprit since it is produced by the automobile fleet that uses diesel or gasoline as a fuel. As a result, several countries are implementing public policies aimed at the replacement of fossil fuels by renewable ones, such as biodiesel. Brazil has become one of them, since the biodiesel production has increased from 736 m 3 to 3,419,838 m 3 in less than ten years. Therefore, this paper intends to briefly review the literature on the history, evolution, and the environmental aspects of biodiesel in Brazil in order to show its positive economic impact on the Brazilian economy, in addition to showing how important this biofuel is to the environment by providing an overview of its advantages when compared to fossil diesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present the main challenges for the development of the natural gas industry in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo; in so doing, the paper identifies the strategies that are currently employed by industry players to encourage the use of this resource and to thus diversify the state's energy matrix. For these purposes, the following methodology was adopted: (i) analyzing bibliographic references that address the issues of infrastructure industry, regulation and the natural gas industry in Brazil – including in the Brazilian states; and (ii) employing secondary data from governmental and regulatory institutions to demonstrate the evolution of this industry in recent years in Brazil and particularly in Espírito Santo. The study concludes that, although there are challenges in expanding the gas transportation (carrier) and distribution segments ("natural monopolies") and the formation of a "consumption-anchor" for natural gas, the present is the right time to use public policies to encourage the use of natural gas and renewable sources for technological, environmental and energy security reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

This paper investigates whether there is a unit root in renewable energy consumption in three large developing economies: Brazil, China, and India over the period 1971–2014. To do so, it uses four unit root tests assuming one structural break, two structural breaks, and more than two structural breaks. It observes that renewable energy consumption is a unit root process in Brazil, but it is found as stationary in China and India. The paper also tackles issues and challenges in the unit root test methodology in energy economics literature and provides implications for renewable energy consumption in three economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2007 was settled the first minimum energy performance standards for air conditioners in Brazil. After more than 14 years since the first regulations and looking upon future perspectives, this paper presents a review of regulatory developments in the country and an assessment based on scenario simulation to verify potential impacts of new minimum energy performance standards for air conditioners. The methodology employed is a bottom-up approach designed to estimate the energy consumption of air conditioners. A spreadsheet-based computational tool was developed to perform sensitivity analysis of key parameters such as ownership rate, average temperature and cooling degree days. The results show a significant energy savings potential that could be captured through a minimum energy performance standards revision. For the scenarios simulated these savings potential would reach up to 417 TWh, with respective greenhouse gases emissions reduction that would be 249 million tons, over the period from 2023 to 2040. An economic analysis of minimum energy performance standards impact is also provided and indicate that even in conditions that involve higher costs and discount rates, new more restrictive minimum energy performance standards allow capturing significant benefits for the society as a whole and for consumers individually. Reviewing the minimum energy performance standards is a critical and urgent issue for Brazil and the methodology presented in this paper can be useful in the process of decision-making related to new regulatory developments. • More restrictive MEPS for air conditioners is urgently needed in Brazil. • The synergy between the CGIEE, Procel and PBE/INMETRO should be improved. • The methodology presented in the paper can support the process of MEPS revisions. • Energy, economic and environmental benefits of more stringent MEPS can be very significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Although biogas technologies in Brazil have a huge potential and a long history few studies have examined biogas in Brazil as a technological field. Accordingly, this paper aims to understand which conditions enabled or constrained the diffusion of biogas technologies. More specifically, this research applies and adapts the Technological Innovation System (TIS) framework to examine biogas-specific and context-related conditions as well as their interplay. Data were collected by performing an event history analysis from 1979 to 2016 along with 24 in-depth expert interviews. Our findings indicate that the evolution of geographically embedded sectoral regulations and infrastructures as well as their interactions have been responsible for major changes in the biogas field in Brazil. By demonstrating how this occurred, this research has opened up new possibilities to promote biogas technologies in Brazil. This study also provides an important analytical method that focuses on exploring activities and their background conditions to consider contextual influences in TIS. Consequently, three major ways of contextual influences for TIS studies are suggested – evolution of contextual structures, interaction of contextual structures and translation of external events by these interactions. Highlights • Shows the historical evolution of biogas field in Brazil using the TIS framework. • Proposes to examine activities and actors of value chains to identify TIS contexts. • Explains how sectoral and geographic contexts shaped biogas field in Brazil. • Advances the debate on TIS contexts suggesting patterns of contextual influences. • Discusses the need of coordination for actions to promote biogas technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Energy-Water-Food Nexus is one of the most complex sustainability challenges faced by the world. This is particularly true in Brazil, where insufficiently understood interactions within the Nexus are contributing to large-scale deforestation and land-use change, water and energy scarcity, and increased vulnerability to climate change. The reason is a combination of global environmental change and global economic change, putting unprecedented pressures on the Brazilian environment and ecosystems. In this paper, we identify and discuss the main Nexus challenges faced by Brazil across sectors (e.g. energy, agriculture, water) and scales (e.g. federal, state, municipal). We use four case studies to explore all nodes of the Nexus. For each, we analyse data from economic and biophysical modelling sources in combination with an overview of the legislative and policy landscape, in order to identify governance shortcomings in the context of growing challenges. We analyse the complex interdependence of developments at the global and local (Brazilian) levels, highlighting the impact of global environmental and economic change on Brazil and, conversely, that of developments in Brazil for other countries and the world. We conclude that there is a need to adjust the scientific approach to these challenges as an enabling condition for stronger science-policy bridges for sustainability policy-making. Highlights • Overview of the Energy-Water-Food Nexus in Brazil for science, law and policy. • Review of the complex linkages in the Nexus for water, energy and food security. • Review of the law addressing the Nexus and its coordination deficiencies. • Recommendations for strengthening the Nexus science-policy bridge in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a detailed review of the energy potential from residual biomass for distributed generation in Brazil, presenting the potential by macro-region of the different types of residues generated in the agricultural, forestry, livestock, industrial and urban sectors. The focus of this research is to map and point out, through bibliographic research, the great potential of biomass in the Brazilian market for the production of biogas and consequently the use for electric power generation in the country and especially in the state of Paraná. Therefore, it should be emphasized that the methodology used is based on a bibliographic research from databases and recent research using a survey carried out by the ITAIPU Technological Park (PTI) in partnership with SENAI/PR, using the FIEP Observatories. As result, this research describes through data collection a favorable scenario for the technical feasibility of the use of biomass for the energetic use of biogas for power generation. The distributed generation of electricity from the use of biomass could help Brazil in the preservation of the environment as well as contribute to the diversification of the energy matrix, economic development and broadening access to energy in isolated communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of existing electricity grids to smart grids is aimed at accommodating increasing shares of renewable generation thus contributing for the de-carbonization of economy, offering more diversified services to consumers, enhancing different types of markets (energy, capacity, ancillary services) and improving the system's overall efficiency. As the economic characteristics of the electricity sector tend to discourage investments in smart grids, many countries have adopted incentive policies to foster the deployment of new technologies, which vary according to the particular characteristics of each country. Therefore, the design of specific public policies for Brazil must consider not only the motivations involved, but also the existing challenges for the implementation of smart grids and the socio-economic context. Moreover, the relevance of the proposed policies can be seen from different perspectives. This justifies the need to elicit information from multiple stakeholders for decision support purposes. This paper presents and assesses a set of policies identified by different stakeholders as having a potential to foster the development of smart grids in Brazil. The methodology to shape this set of policies consisted of a thorough literature review of international experiences, combined with meetings with experts in several domains. Then, these policies were assessed by applying a Delphi questionnaire aiming at measuring their effectiveness in fulfilling the objectives associated with investments in smart grids. A first conclusion is that all policies were assessed as having a positive impact taking into account each of the objectives, differing only in the priority to be assigned to each one. The policies that were considered more relevant were: "Incentive Policies for Promoting Demand-Side Management, Distributed Generation and Storage", "Regulatory Changes to Foster Innovation in the Energy Sector" and "Regulation of New Business Models". Among the policies with the worst scores, "Mandatory Rollout of Smart Meters" and "Establishing Quality Standards for the Telecommunications Industry" were ranked as the two lower-ranked policies, i.e., they were assigned lower priority under all objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofuel production has stood out at the international level on account of its more environmentally sustainable characteristics and the potential to promote rural development in developing countries. In Brazil, biodiesel is being produced through legislation requiring the addition (currently 7%) of biofuel to petroleum diesel. The federal program (PNPB) aimed the social inclusion of small farmers and diversification of Brazilian matrix by incentives regional crops production. The possibility of broadening raw material sources for biodiesel production benefits the Brazilian competitiveness. At the same time, facing the vast varieties of raw materials available in this country, it is a challenge to figure out which crop would be more appropriate to this chain. The palm species Acrocomia aculeata ( macaúba ) could provide an alternative resource for energy diversification in Brazil and Latin American countries. The crop species has drawn attention due to its high productivity rates and because it is not used for food purposes. In this sense, this paper examines the opportunity of biodiesel production from A. aculeata as a potential source for future energy supply, particularly for biodiesel, especially in Brazil. This paper presents A. aculeata and some points that allow compare with other crops. Several related aspects are covered in this paper, such as economics, botanical description, the extraction and compositions, physical and chemical properties of crude A. aculeata oil and fatty acid composition of A. aculeata . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Before the COVID pandemic, oil and gas companies invested only a small fraction of their capital on sustainable energy technologies. With the substantial improvement in the performance of batteries and their rapid cost reduction, the oil and gas industry could potentially lose a large share of their market in the transport sector. A similar shift in energy sources is happening with the surge in renewable energy sources to supply electricity, heating and cooling. In an ever more sustainable future, the need for an oil and gas industry could reduce significantly. This paper reviews the possible paths that an oil and gas company could follow to become a sustainable development corporation and continue to be relevant in the future. This paper aims to describe alternative sustainable pathways such as the extraction of natural hydrogen, a hydrogen economy, offshore wind power, deep sea mining, biorefineries, seawater air-conditioning, geothermal and geoengineering. This paper also proposes the use of electrolysis ships for the flexible production of green hydrogen and showed that its investment cost can be three times smaller than in fixed electrolysis plants. The oil and gas industry has substantial intellectual, financial capital and geopolitical influence that would not be lost during a shift to a more sustainable world. Indeed, these assets should be used to facilitate the transition to a more sustainable future. • Hydrogen is a good alternative for sustainable development in O&G companies. • Natural hydrogen is a good alternative to the upstream O&G companies. • Benefits of electrolysis ships to produce green hydrogen. • Case study to produce green hydrogen in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to present a review of the increasing contribution of wind power to the Brazilian electric matrix and an analysis of the main impact on technical, political and social aspects. This work takes into account the state-of-art of the wind power technology, the wind resource potential and the evolution of installed capacity in the country. The institutional programs and the fiscal incentives provided by the Brazilian government are also discussed in this paper, including its impacts on the society. We have reviewed national and international reports and relevant scientific papers to realize this work. The analysis shows that electric crisis in 2001 led the Brazilian government to develop new energy policies that supported the rapid growth of the wind industry from imported technology. Later on in the year 2004, the government mandated that the technology be developed within the country. It is expected that from 2011 (of approximately 1500 MW) until 2021 the installed wind capacity would increase by a factor of 600%. However, the national technology acquisition and development is still incipient. It is important to produce locally wind turbine components and is highly desirable to increase collaboration between industries and universities in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethanol production and the diffusion of flex-fuel vehicles are successful examples of renewable energy in the transportation sector in Brazil. Despite these achievements, challenges regarding the Brazilian fleet, composed of inefficient light-duty passenger vehicles (LDPV), need to be addressed. In this regard, political measures have been implemented, for instance voluntary labeling and fiscal incentives related to fuel economy targets. However, there is still room to improve these instruments to capture greater economic and environmental benefits related to fuel economy. In this paper, we present information regarding the Brazilian LDPV fleet, its fuel consumption, its CO 2 emissions and a description of the historical evolution of policies concerning fuel economy in Brazil. Furthermore, we estimate impacts related to the adoption of mandatory fuel economy standards (MFES), in terms of fuel economy and CO 2 emissions reduction. This analysis indicates that 18,626 million liters of gasohol E-22 and 16,274 million liters of ethanol E-100 can be saved up to 2035. The related reduction of CO 2 emissions is also significant, about 62 Gg of CO 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The technology of photovoltaic power generation has been increasingly regarded in many countries as an alternative to reduce the environmental impacts associated with climate changes and dependence on fossil fuels. Countries such as Germany and other European countries have been developed specific regulatory mechanisms to encourage its use either by government programs or by financial and/or tax incentives. In Brazil, despite the large existing solar potential, the encouragement to technology is still incipient. This paper aims to demonstrate the key aspects of the evolution of regulatory incentives to use photovoltaic solar energy in Brazil and present the technologies and characteristics of photovoltaic power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Brazil, the access to electricity is a right of all their citizens. The Brazilian government has endeavored to extend the electric grid wherever technically and economically feasible. For the remaining sites, PV systems can be a feasible option that is enforced by federal laws, standards and subsidies. For this reason, unlike other countries where renewable energy systems are donated or commercialized by NGOs and other entities, in Brazil these systems are mainly installed by utilities, making the country a unique case for study. This paper analyzes the main problems faced by PV systems for rural electrification. The methodology is based on field observation and literature survey. As a result, several issues of demand to be supplied, installation, operation and maintenance, and post-installation were identified. From these observations, it is clear that a greater attention should be payed to the management of the whole electrification project, by clearly delimiting the goals and the responsibilities of each stakeholder, and ensuring that the goals are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of biodiesel through enzymatic routes has attracted significant attention, mainly because this can be regarded as a "green route" for the manufacture of fuels. In this way, an advanced bibliometric analysis comprising the global scientific production of biodiesel through immobilized enzymes was conducted. Thus, 923 papers were retrieved, analyzed, and classified according to the reported substrates, enzymes, supports, immobilization procedures, and reactors. Researchers from 748 institutions of 64 distinct countries authored the analyzed articles, showing the widespread interest in these technologies, although 10 countries concentrate more than 80% of the total number of documents published in this area, including China (23%), Brazil (17%), and India (11%). Particularly, most papers reported the use of vegetable oils (67%) as raw materials. In the last decade, approximately 80% of the published research focused on the use of supports to manufacture immobilized and insoluble biocatalysts. Enzymes have been obtained mostly from fungal sources (64%), especially lipases produced by Thermomyces lanuginosus (14.4%). Among the available commercial immobilized biocatalysts, Novozym 435 is certainly the one cited most frequently (55.9%) followed by Lipozyme RM IM (13.7%) and Lipozyme TL IM (16.7%). Additionally, the majority of the manuscripts reported the use of stirred tank reactors (83.0%) to perform the enzymatic reactions. Based on the surveyed literature, research trends indicate that new technologies are being developed to turn the enzymatic production of biodiesel more sustainable and economically viable, based mainly on the use of more active biocatalysts, more sustainable enzyme supports, and low-cost residues as raw materials. • Advanced bibliometric review about the production of biodiesel by immobilized enzyme was performed. • Chinese and Brazilian scientific communities are the most active in this field. • Novozymes 435 is the commercial biocatalyst used most often in this field. • Emerging technologies were identified for the synthesis of enzyme supports. • Sustainable supports and low-cost feedstocks are trends in the biodiesel production field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper debates the main reasons why Chinese and Brazilian energy policies have not focused on Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) deployment until now. Like most emerging economies, China and Brazil have registered large increases in energy demand, as well as considerable growth of energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. On the other hand, both countries have played an important role on the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure and - considering that large portions of their territories present high levels of "Direct Normal Irradiation" (DNI) - CSP technologies might have figured as an important strategy for the mitigation of atmosphere pollution and global warming. Since large scale deployment of CSP technologies still implies high "Levelized Costs Of Electricity" (LCOE) that could affect the competitiveness of national industry in global markets, we argue that a comprehensive answer for this question must place national energy policies in the context of a "world-system" analysis. CSP has not benefited from the international demand that has boosted wind turbines and photovoltaic cells with their subsequent price reductions. Furthermore, we will discuss the "elective affinities" between thermal solar investments and the development of those regions that present the lowest performances in the Chinese and Brazilian socioeconomic realities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to maintain greater control over the country's water resources and reduce the vulnerability of the Brazilian electricity sector, this paper presents a review of the Seasonal-Pumped-Storage (SPS) potential in Brazil, its benefits and the different ways in which SPS can be integrated with hydroelectric dams in cascade downstream. In addition to increasing the Brazilian energy storage potential, SPS has the potential to: regulate river flows allowing the control of hydropower generation; reduce the spillage and increase power generation in the hydroelectric dams in cascade; turn the construction of new dams more viable where there is no suitable geology for the construction of conventional storage reservoirs; control floods when the geology does not permit the construction of storage reservoirs; decrease the evaporation of accumulation reservoirs; store the electricity generated from intermittent renewable sources; store energy for peak generation; reduce transmission bottlenecks; decrease the cost of electricity transmission from hydroelectric plants in the Amazon; decentralize the energy storage capacity in Brazil to increase energy security and to reduce the risk of electricity rationing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper assesses the learning potential of dedicated wood production systems to boost yields and reduce production costs. In particular, the paper analyses past trends and provides a future outlook of developments in dedicated wood production for three cases: eucalyptus production in Brazil, poplar production in Italy and willow production in Sweden. A main objective of this paper is to evaluate the extent to which experience curves can be devised for conventional woody plantation systems, and whether these can also be applied to short rotation cropping (SRC) production systems. For current average SRC production systems, Italian poplar shows the highest cost at 5.5 €GJ−1 followed by Swedish willow at 4.4 €GJ−1 and Brazilian eucalyptus is produced to the lowest costs at 2.8 €GJ−1. It was assessed to what extent production costs can be reduced per step in the production cycle and how this affects the minimum cost levels that can ultimately be achieved. Ultimate cost reduction could lead to delivered costs of 2.2 €GJ−1 for poplar, 1.9 €GJ−1 for willow and 1.9 €GJ−1 for eucalyptus on better quality lands. Based on historic cost data and production trends, experience curves were applied providing progress ratios for poplar in Italy and eucalyptus in Brazil. Brazilian eucalyptus production follows a steeper slope (63–73%) than poplar in Italy (71–78%). The extent to, and rate at, which cost reductions can occur within the next 20 years were evaluated by combining current costs, minimum cost levels and progress ratios with ranges in European and global biomass demand projections. This shows that, at the assumed growth rates for biomass production in Europe and for global production, minimum cost levels can be reached within the next two decades for all cases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One of the alternatives to reduce building energy consumption recognized and used internationally is establishing standards for the evaluation and classification of buildings in terms of energy performance. In developed countries, the introduction of energy efficiency codes for residential and non-residential buildings started around the time of the first oil crisis in the mid-70s. Ten years later, Brazil has started implemented measures aimed at the conservation and rational use of energy. Initiatives in this regard began with the implementation of the Brazilian Labeling Program, where consumers are provided with information on the energy efficiency of appliances. However, the first energy efficiency law stimulated the most notable improvement in energy efficiency in 2001 after national energy crisis. As a result, the Regulation for Energy Efficiency Labeling of Commercial, Service and Public Buildings (RTQ-C) was released in February 2009 and the Regulation for Energy Efficiency Labeling of Residential Buildings (RTQ-R) was released in November 2010. Nowadays, the labeling of residential, commercial and service buildings is voluntary and the labeling of federal public buildings is mandatory since 2014. This paper presents a review of the building energy efficiency codes and labeling schemes all over the world, an overview of the Brazilian regulations on energy efficiency and discusses the labeling scheme for residential buildings adopted in Brazil. The process of its implementation, strengths and weaknesses in the present labeling scheme and the similarities and differences in relation to international experiences are described. The results obtained to date indicate that a revision is required in order to achieve a more flexible and economically viable process that will enable the program to be established as compulsory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the long-run and causal relationships between hydroelectricity consumption and economic growth for a panel of the 10 largest hydroelectricity consuming countries over the period 1965–2012. The countries include Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Turkey and the U.S.A. Using the Bai and Perron (2003) [9] tests for cointegration, the results indicate that real GDP per capita and hydroelectricity consumption per capita appear to be cointegrated around a broken intercept. Granger causality results from a nonlinear panel smooth transition vector error correction model suggest different results depending on the regimes, which we identified based on structural break tests. The test identified three breaks at 1988, 2000 and 2009. For the pre-1988 period, there is evidence of unidirectional causality running from real GDP per capita to hydroelectricity per capita in both the short- and long-run. Over the post-1988 period, there exists evidence of bidirectional causality between hydroelectricity energy consumption per capita and real GDP per capita in both the short- and the long-run. The results imply the existence of a feedback hypothesis with both hydroelectricity consumption and growth promoting each other in more recent periods, as the importance of hydroelectricity as a renewable energy, has become more prominent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comparative analysis of energy governance regarding nonconventional renewable energy sources (NCRES) in Brazil and Germany. Brazil is a world leader in the use of conventional renewable energy sources, such as hydro power, while Germany has been achieving outstanding results in fostering NCRES. The focus is on two critical issues: the legal and regulatory framework and the institutions created to support the NCRES market development. The comparison shows that, despite the very different energy situations and policy drivers, valuables lessons can be extracted from the German experience. The main lesson for Brazil is to think NCRES as a strategic opportunity to rely less on fossil fuel and large hydroelectric power plants, to decentralize the electric power sector, to use the huge solar, biomass and wind power potential available in the country and to create a environment-friendly NCRES industry. To this end, three critical points were identified: (1) the legal and regulatory framework should be improved; (2) long-term energy planning taking into account social, economic and climate issues and; (3) the current institutions supporting NCRES in Brazil should be upgraded and/or new ones, such as more specific energy agencies, should be created. [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]

Abstract: Air conditioning systems in commercial buildings in Brazil are responsible for about 70% share of their energy consumption. According to BEN 2009 (The Brazilian Energy Balance), energy consumption in the residential, commercial and public sectors, where most buildings are found, represents 9.3% of the final energy consumption in Brazil. This paper aims to examine design factors that could contribute to greater reductions of electric energy consumption in commercial buildings, with emphasis on air conditioning. Simulations were carried out using shades and different types of glass, walls, flooring and roofing. The VisualDOE 2.61 was used as a simulation tool for calculating energy consumption of the analyzed building. This paper shows that the energy performance of the building is considerably influenced by the façade protection and shows, through tables, the impact that decisions related to the top-level and façades have on the energy consumption of the building. The authors concluded that the results confirm the importance of taking energy use into account in the very first design stages of the project, since appropriate choices of types of glass, external shading and envelope materials have a significant impact on energy consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a study based on the Systems Thinking and Scenario Planning (STSP) method, focusing the biodiesel production chain of Rio Grande do Sul State. The aim of the study was to identify key elements to comprehend the systemic structure of interaction among the ties of this chain. The study was held by a team of specialists over five months, including 15 meetings. Discussions were based on quantitative and qualitative data and a systemic map was constructed and refined. Based on this modeling, four different prospective scenarios were comparatively analyzed in order to propose strategic actions to promote the sustainability and competitiveness of the chain. The results were then presented to two different groups of external specialists in order to validate the conclusions drawn and the proposals. Both groups agreed with the ideas presented. The paper is constructed as follows: a brief introduction focusing on contextual elements of the biodiesel production in Brazil and in Rio Grande do Sul; some background material regarding agroindustrial production chains and an overview of the biodiesel production chain of interest; a description of the method used to perform the research; main results and discussion; and conclusions. With this paper the authors also hope to contribute to the discussion regarding competitiveness and sustainability of biofuel chains in Brazil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe the benefits of sugar cane ethanol in Brazil, appointing the productivity of this type of fuel based on hectares of plantation, its carbon dioxide cycle and the contribution to reduce the greenhouse effect. In the following step the uses of ethanol for hydrogen production by steam reforming is analyzed and some comparison with natural gas steam reforming is performed. The sugar cane industry in Brazil, in a near future, in the hydrogen era, could be modified according to our purpose, since besides the production of sugar, and ethylic and anhydric alcohol, Brazilian sugar cane industry will also be able to produce biohydrogen. Fuel cells appear like a promising technology for energy generation. Among several technologies in the present, the PEMFC (proton exchange membrane fuel cell) is the most appropriate for vehicles application, because it combines durability, high power density, high efficiency, good response and it works at relatively low temperatures. Besides that it is easy to turn it on and off and it is able to support present vibration in vehicles. A PEMFC''s problem is the need of noble catalysts like platinum. Another problem is that CO needs to be in low concentration, requiring a more clean hydrogen to avoid fuel cell deterioration. One part of this paper was developed in Stockholm, where there are some buses within the CUTE (clean urban transport for Europe) project that has been in operation with FC since January 2004. Another part was developed in Guaratinguetá, Brazil. Brazil intends to start up a program of FC buses. As conclusion, this paper shows the economical analysis comparing buses moved by fuel cells using hydrogen by different kinds of production. Electrolyze with wind turbine, natural gas steam reforming and ethanol steam reforming. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Brazil is an emerging market for offshore wind energy, with its first projects having already applied for environmental permits. However, few studies have actually evaluated Brazil's offshore potential, and those analyses have focused on its gross resource potential. This paper thus aims to assess Brazil's offshore wind potential through a novel approach that allows for the evaluation and mapping of the potential in different levels (Gross, Technical and Environmental and Social) and highlights the most economically attractive areas for offshore wind deployment, following a Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis. Results for Brazil show 1688 GW of Gross Potential, 1064 GW of Technical Potential and 330 GW of Environmental and Social Potential. The least economically attractive areas are mainly in the Southeast region, while the most attractive ones are concentrated in the Northeast region. The top ten areas for offshore development are also highlighted, totaling 126 GW of capacity. In short, this paper addresses the knowledge gap towards a comprehensive potential assessment for Brazil and concludes that the country has a significant offshore wind potential that can be sustainably deployed if proper siting criteria are applied. The approach proposed here is replicable and capable of informing the planning of sustainable offshore wind development in other regions or countries. • Brazil's Gross, Technical, and Environmental-Social Offshore Wind Potentials. • GIS approach considers offshore wind farms siting constraints to map suitable areas. • GIS-MCDA to rank suitable areas according to their economic attractiveness. • Environmentally and socially suitable areas sum 330 GW of potential capacity. • The top 10 most attractive areas in Brazil sum 126 GW of potential capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower is the backbone of the Brazilian electricity generation sector. Even though the use of this resource is advantaged in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, last years׳ severe droughts have exposed the country׳s huge dependency on hydroelectricity. Brazil׳s electricity supply system has shown to be vulnerable to electricity shortages and has demanded significant overhaul in order to address its challenges. The present paper provides a comprehensive review of the current status of the Brazilian electricity sector and discusses diversification of electricity generation mix as a strategy to improve electricity supply security in the country. An overview of the main features of the energy sources applied in Brazil is also presented through a review of the latest available generation data. The central section of this work is a discussion of the main causes of the current crisis and the future role of renewable energy sources in a 10-year perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biorefinery concept provides a wide perspective of products and uses from the biomass conversion. The drive for cost reductions and the threat of food competition have put residual biomass under the spotlight. Sugarcane is the most produced crop in the world, and its residual bagasse has got the additional feature of abundance. Going beyond its traditional use for electricity and thermal generation, this paper explores the potential alternative uses for the sugarcane bagasse in Brazil. Under an Input-Output perspective, Brazilian production recipes are obtained for six distinct biorefining technologies assuming the use of sugarcane bagasse as feedstock. Also, minimum selling prices are derived for the main products of each technological route assessed, comprising an initial estimative of their cost prices in Brazil. The biomass to ethanol and higher alcohol route presented the higher share (25%) of productive and service sectors into its production recipe. The bioplatform succinic acid route was the only one reaching competitive minimum selling prices (0.57 US$/kg) in comparison to current pricing of the fossil-derived succinic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil has a predominantly renewable origin electricity generation matrix, with hydro generation accounting for about 69% of the supply. This paper promotes hydropower projects in Brazil environmental licensing procedure critical assessment, with the aim of identifying and assessing possible solutions to enhance the process, especially through Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) application to hydroelectric generation expansion planning processes. It was concluded that impact assessment has led to significant environmental improvements, as it is capable of preventing, controlling and compensating significant – and very often irreversible – environmental impacts, especially through projects optimization and environmental programs that were not initially foreseen in the EIA inclusion. However, as has been expounded throughout this study, there are still several gaps and limitations in the current process, both in power generation expansion planning aspect and project environmental impact assessment aspect. SEA application in the planning phase could contribute to facilitate and simplify hydroelectric plants licensing. Many currently compulsory stages that are carried out after the request for a prior license, such as the consultation made to involved entities and the area environmental diagnosis could already be commenced in the planning phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern world is highly dependent on energy. Biodiesel is recognized as a green and alternative renewable diesel fuel, and Brazil is the world׳s third largest producer of biodiesel, which in this country is mainly produced from soybeans. As the demand for biodiesel is increasing due to the increasing use of transportation fuel, it is advisable to look for other sources that would not need a vast cropland. Recently, microalgae have emerged as a source than can play the dual role of bioremediation of wastewater and generation of biomass for biodiesel production. This paper focuses on the feasibility of utilizing wastewater to cultivate algae for the production of biodiesel in Brazil. By using only domestic wastewater from 40% of Brazilian municipalities, the production of biodiesel would increase by 21.4%. Moreover, the use of wastewater treatment becomes an economically attractive alternative as the revenue from selling biodiesel overcomes the production costs by at least 10%. As a result, Brazil could easily increase its current biodiesel production and simultaneously amazingly improve its index of sanitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential for sugarcane ethanol from Brazil to mitigate GHG emissions is undeniable, but the way that ethanol is produced during the agricultural and industrial phases will ultimately determine its benefits to society. In this paper, we evaluate the environmental impacts of sugarcane agriculture and ethanol production in Brazil as management practices continue to change and production expands to new frontiers. We focused our evaluation on the impacts on water, atmosphere, and soils, including how the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers and the accumulation of crop residue in the field affect emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). We also addressed the impacts of land use changes on threatened biomes and discussed some of the present obstacles regarding conservation and restoration efforts. We concluded that, since a similar assessment was put forth in 2008, our knowledge about the environmental impacts of sugarcane ethanol in Brazil has advanced with regard to soil degradation, nitrogen dynamics, and soil carbon stocks. However, more information is still needed about the impacts of the increasing use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in sugarcane agriculture, especially on water resources. Furthermore, without a better understanding about how landscape fragmentation affects the biodiversity of terrestrial and aquatic tropical ecosystems and the services they provide, policies created to protect and restore them may be ineffective. On the other hand, the use of presently available scientific information to end unsustainable farming and the implementation of conservation strategies proposed by the Brazilian Forest Code could be a first step to guarantee that ethanol is produced more sustainably in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper tests for the existence of bubbles in the ethanol–gasoline price ratio in Brazil from 2000 to 2012 using right-tailed ADF tests. Results suggest the existence of two bubbles: one which has already burst (during the re-election of President Lula); and one which has been ongoing since 2010, thus corroborating empirical and anecdotal evidence in the Brazilian sugarcane industry. Freezing gasoline prices not only depressed ethanol prices but also depressed investments in new sugarcane crops and distillation plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a literature review on smart grid concepts, considering generation, transmission and distribution of electricity besides smart consumption, including smart home, Demand-Side Response Programs, and Active Demand-Side Management. An analysis of the smart grid development in Brazil is performed, presenting the policy and regulation efforts beyond investments. This analysis takes account a pattern for smart grid development, and one may observe that Brazil is going towards a smart grid full implementation; however it could take decades and requires adjusts from govern, regulatory agency, utilities and consumers, and more investments. Moreover, some of the major smart grid projects in Brazil are presented, and their characteristics are compared considering the technologies used, location and electric utility goals. Depending on the electric utilities objectives, one may observe similarities and differences between concepts adopted and location of the Brazilian smart grid pilot projects. The first objective is the validation and replicability of the pilot project implemented; once, the project location is a sample of the utility׳s energy market or it is a particular area of interest, like an off-grid powered island with high environmental restrictions, for instance. The second objective is creating a model of sustainable smart grid with national visibility, once the project location is a touristic place. The conception of smart grid is aligned with sustainability, and it is a tendency in Brazil a massive entry of smart grid technologies in the next years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resource nexus consists of a framework to address interlinkages between natural resources and systems that provide water, energy, food and waste management. It transcends traditional assessments conducted in "silos", raising trade-offs and synergies that are rarely acknowledged. The nexus framework is intrinsically context-specific, as each respective region has particularities in terms of critical interlinkages. Brazil is the world's eighth largest economy [1] and is heavily reliant on natural resources. This paper considers Brazil to be a textbook case for nexus research that identifies critical interlinkages that are neglected by literature, which is typically based on single-resource analysis. It proposes a research agenda to advance resource nexus assessments and improve resource governance in Brazil. We propose a novel method for nexus research, systematically reviewing geographical context-specific papers in relevant single nexus dimensions and establishing resource interlinkages that characterise research gaps and policy priorities. We found that 36% of practices reviewed involve more than one resource at a time, characterising interlinkages not analysed by the literature. Lastly, selected quantitative indicators were used to identify critical interlinkages by analysing the representativeness of practices in the national context, and the relevance of synergies or trade-offs for Brazil. Critical interlinkages in Brazil were found to be irrigation for energy crop expansion (water, food and energy); transport biofuels and fuelwood (water, energy, food); deforestation for new pasture (water, energy, food); and hydropower generation (water and energy). These are, therefore, priorities for future nexus research and for efforts to address synergies and trade-offs in resource governance. • The nexus framework assesses and emphasizes critical interlinkages across natural resources. • Critical interlinkages embedded in resource use practices were identified. • Interlinkages between water, waste, energy and food in resource use and management practices were identified. • A research agenda around resource interlinkages in Brazil was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The replacement of fossil fuels by biofuels has been extremely important worldwide to stimulate the growth of economies based on the sustainability through the use of renewable resources. Anaerobic digestion for biogas production is recognized as a clean technology that allies the suitability of wastes with energy generation, fulfilling the requirements for a sustainable alternative to provide the optimization of the biofuels production. This alternative is especially interesting for the sugarcane ethanol production in Brazil, in which the generation of vinasse, the main liquid waste, is very expressive. Nevertheless, the use of vinasse for anaerobic digestion has been finding some challenges to its establishment in the Brazilian sugarcane biorefineries. This paper reviews the actual context of anaerobic digestion within the sugarcane ethanol production in Brazil, presenting the main obstacles for its full application and the directions to promote it as well. Alternatives for biogas use are also presented and compared, highlighting the environmental and energy advantages of applying anaerobic digestion in the sugarcane biorefineries. This scenario is envisaged as a suitable way to achieve the future biorefineries model, based on the use and recovery of renewable resources with economic, social, and environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The industrial electric motor is the most important load, considering its large number and associated energy consumption, being responsible for approximately 68% of the industrial energy consumption and 35% of the total electrical energy consumption in Brazil. This country, like others, is seeking to establish a regulation on the minimum efficiency index for electric motor equipment. This paper aims to present an overview of the installed park of industrial motors in Brazil and to evaluate the possible effects of such regulation. For this purpose, the measurement results obtained in the 2000–2012 period were used, which were extracted from the approximately 276 three-phase induction motors that had been sold and were being used in the Brazilian market, with a rated power in a large range from under 1 hp to over 150 hp. The analysis of the measurement results provided an overview of the average behavior of the induction motors in industry while considering energy efficiency and allowing estimates and proposals aiming at the improvement of the use of electrical energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

In Brazil, over the next two decades, an additional 31.7 GW will be added to the hydropower sector in the northern region, to keep pace with the country?s growing economy. Due to the socio-environmental vulnerability of this region, there is international concern about its conservation. Since 2007, the hydroelectric potential inventory has employed Integrated Environmental Assessments (IEA), taking into consideration an analysis of the cumulative and synergistic impacts of all the hydropower plants in the river basin. Also available is the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), a tool that has been used by the National Water Agency in its Strategic Water Resources Plan, which aims to support decision making at the political, planning, and program levels in the river basin, employing sustainable development scenarios. Both tools have been recently used in Brazil, and this paper aims to analyze their differences and their main contributions to the decision-making process in the Brazilian power sector. Therefore, we analyzed 3 studies on the implementation of new hydropower plants in the Tocantins-Araguaia River Basins: the Strategic Water Resources Plan for Tocantins and Araguaia River Basins-PERH-TA (using the SEA methodology), the IEA of the Tocantins River Basin and the IEA of the Araguaia River Basin, analyzing their methodologies, scenarios, results and recommendations. We found that the SEA, in contrast to the IEA, provides a broader and more independent vision about the social and environmental impacts. After the conclusion of the integrated and strategic studies, we verified that some recommendations are not being followed in the HPP planning process, since some dams had problems with environmental licenses, as mentioned in the studies. Therefore, we conclude that methodological adjustments, as well as political and institutional enhancements in these processes could make the tools more useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper offers perspectives on the development of low-carbon energy technology in Brazil, pinpointing changes that have occurred since our former publication in 2011. It takes a fresh approach in terms of how likely Brazil will achieve its Nationally Determined Contributions Commitments in the energy sector. Many countries have implemented national climate policies to accomplish their pledged NDC and contribute to the temperature objectives of the Paris Agreement on climate change. Based on official reports and databases of energy development projections in Brazil and the socioeconomic context, we discuss what can be expected for the future of the Brazilian energy sector, the probability of implementing selected technologies, and the prospects of reaching the NDC targets for 2025 and 2030. In addition, this paper provides an overview of the current stage of development of these technologies, main directions, and bottlenecks in Brazil. Analyses have shown that the Brazilian renewable matrix tends to remain significant, driven by the development of solar and mostly small hydroelectric power sources, as well as different types of biomass. In addition, the system will include the replacement of thermoelectric plants powered by diesel and fuel oil by natural gas plants. The prospects for Brazil's official energy plan for 2027 are aligned with the reference technology scenario, which represents the business as usual scenario. Despite this, low-carbon technologies could be implemented far beyond the NDC's goals, given the abundance of renewable natural resources in the country. • Prospects for low-carbon technologies in Brazil are lacking. • RenovaBio Law may promote bioelectricity production from sugarcane bagasse. • Small hydro will play an important role in the achievement of Brazilian NDC for the hydroelectric sector. • Wind power is developing rapidly, but still substantial room for growth. • Solar power is developing slower than expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the increasing cost-competiveness of renewable energy (RE) technologies, competitive auction schemes have increasingly been adopted in recent years across various developed and developing countries. Local content requirements (LCRs) are frequently used as part of RE auction schemes to promote local industrial development. In this paper, we present a review of the literature on the effectiveness of LCRs in fostering local industrial development across various developing countries focusing on South Africa, Brazil, India and China. Specifically, this paper analyses the effectiveness of LCRs in promoting the establishment of local manufacturing facilities of onshore wind turbine and solar PV components in these countries. Further, the paper provides a review of the main determining factors stressed in the literature to account for variations in the effectiveness of LCRs. We have found that the literature generally ascribes importance to the role of LCRs in stimulating local component production in developing countries. However, previous research on the effectiveness of LCRs in establishing local component manufacturing differs across the technologies and the countries analysed. The variation in the effectiveness of LCRs can be explained by a framework that combines the following four determining factors: (i) market size and stability; (ii) policy design and coherence; (iii) the restrictiveness of the LCRs; and (iv) the domestic industrial base. The paper highlights a lack of systematic approaches and rigour in existing research, thus proposing the development of a common framework and set of indicators to assess the efficiency of LCRs. • Review of the use of local content requirements (LCRs) in renewable energy auction schemes in developing countries. • Study of the effects of LCRs in localising production of wind and solar components in South Africa, Brazil, India and China. • Finds that the effectiveness of LCRs in promoting local industrial development differs across countries and technologies. • Determinant factors is suggested to explain the variations in the effectiveness of LCRs across countries and technologies. • Concludes by suggesting more rigour and development of a common methodology in research on LCRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper aims to identify and quantify the main potential environmental impacts of the sugarcane bagasse electricity generation in Brazil. To do so, it was employed the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) technique based on primary and secondary data from three previous studies encompassing electricity generation, transmission and distribution processes. It was identified that the main impact potentials of this type of electricity generation in Brazil that should be addressed by decision-makers are the photochemical ozone, the human toxicity via soil and the nutrient enrichment ones, which are caused mainly by the sugarcane straw burning prior harvesting and the chemical application. In addition, it was found that non-renewable resources, renewable resources and energy consumption are also important issues that should be addressed mostly in the process of electricity transmission. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a methodology for sizing and simulating an autonomous photovoltaic-wind hybrid energy system with battery storage, using simulation tools and linear programming. The developed model is useful for energizing remote rural areas and produces a system with minimum cost and high reliability, based on the concept of loss of power supply probability (LPSP), applied for consecutive hours. To calculate the solar power and the wind power, a statistical model based on Beta and Weibull probability density functions, respectively, is used. Some scenarios are calculated and compared, using different numbers of consecutive hours and different LPSP values. As a result, a complete sizing of the system and a long-term cost evaluation are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]