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Transitioning from gasoline and petroleum‐based products to biofuels and green chemicals is a paradigm shift that will lead to the development of the bioeconomy. In this sense, the role of biorefineries in countries like Brazil is very important as the country generates a huge amount of second generation (2G) biomass every year and also has an attractive consumable market. However, technological innovations are still required to unleash the fullest potential of biomass conversion to biofuels and biochemicals, although successful examples are already a reality. For example, Amyris Inc. has developed renewable products for cosmetics (squalene), healthcare (artemisinin), and flavors / fragrances, and Suzano Papel e Celulose has developed sustainable technologies for the production of pulp and paper, and lignin‐derived adhesives (Ecolig). First‐generation ethanol in Brazil is an established source of transportation fuel but 2G ethanol production with low production costs is still a challenge at commercial scale, and companies like Raízen and GranBio continue making efforts to improve the economic feasibility of the adopted processes. In this context, the RenovaBio Policy launched by the Federal Brazilian Government in December 2017 aims to boost the production and utilization of biofuels and green chemicals in the country. Considering the matters mentioned above, this paper discusses the Brazilian biorefinery developments, technological advances, and current industrial scenario for the production of biofuels and chemicals. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut residues have been widely recognized as a promising source of bioproducts and bioenergy, but full access to its potential polymeric matrix, in general, depends upon some pretreatment stage. Organosolv procedure gained recent attention for being eco-friendly combined with an efficient delignification of lignocellulosic biomass. In this regard, this study proposed a literature review on the Scopus database to track the studies focused on the application of organosolv for coconut residues. A total of 17 studies were identified on this subject, then scoping analysis showed that coconut residue, mainly fibers, treated by organosolv under different conditions, have been tested as an adsorbent, source of nanowhiskers, in ethanol production, and in the reinforcement of product properties. Bibliometric analyses, by means of VOSviewer, revealed that Brazil was the country with the highest number of published papers; along with the terms organosolv and coconut, lignin appeared within the most occurred keywords, which highlights the strong association of the organosolv as a route to extract coconut lignin. In addition, the present work also allowed us to enter into a comprehensive discussion of the future challenges and perspectives toward the development of research that aim to enhance coconut residue end uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Sugarcane would not be enough to meet the ethanol targets set for Brazil Corn ethanol may be an attractive secondary feedstock to help supply the demand In Brazil, sugarcane ethanol has more advantages when compared to corn ethanol Ethanol production in Brazil started in the early 1930s due to laws created by the Brazilian government. However, ethanol production only increased significantly with the National Program of Ethanol implementation in 1975. This program was another action taken by the Brazilian government aiming to provide conditions for the development of the ethanol industry in the country. With the program, it was possible to achieve significant progress; however, it finished in the mid-1980s. Currently, ethanol is produced on a large scale by more than 300 sugarcane mills all over the country. In 2016, the Brazilian government provided another incentive for ethanol production by creating the RenovaBio Program, which aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Besides the environmental aspect, Brazil's ethanol industry needs to develop to supply future biofuel demand. According to the forecast provided in this paper, and considering technical, economic, and environmental aspects regarding the Brazilian ethanol industry, the current and only feedstock used is likely to be insufficient. Thus, the ethanol produced from corn would be an attractive secondary feedstock to complement sugarcane ethanol as the primary feedstock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comparison of three electric vehicle types to propose the best choice to implement the electric mobility in Brazil, considering the Tank-to-Wheel (TTW) emissions of the internal combustion engine in single-fuel mode (ICE-SF) fueled with biogas, bioethanol, gasoline A, or Brazilian gasoline (27% bioethanol + 73% gasoline A), and of the internal combustion engine in dual-fuel mode (ICE-DF) fueled with 50% biogas + 50% bioethanol. The emissions related to the Brazilian electricity mix were analyzed to calculate the impacts of the electric mode. Moreover, the energy-ecological efficiency of the internal combustion engine was measured to analyze the negative impacts on human and environmental health when fueled with different fuels, in single-fuel and dual-fuel modes. The findings show that bioethanol has the lowest energy-ecological efficiency (27%) due to its performance regarding the human toxicity and pollution factor indicators. On the other hand, biogas in the ICE-SF achieved the highest energy-ecological efficiency (64%), followed by 50% biogas and 50% bioethanol in the ICE-DF (49%). Considering the Brazilian scenario, the plug-in electric vehicle appears as the best choice due to its lower TTW emissions. However, considering the Brazilian infrastructure and its potential to produce biofuels, the hybrid electric vehicle was better than the other electric vehicle types analyzed when it is fueled with bioethanol in single-fuel mode or bioethanol and biogas in dual-fuel mode. The relevance of this paper remains in the fact that the findings might help in the achievement of zero carbon dioxide emissions in the transport sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioethanol production in Brazil gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s as an energy security and energy sufficiency measure due to the well‐known world oil crisis. However, the increase in bioethanol production and consumption in the past couple of decades has been backed by the country's efforts and measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transport sector. Brazil is the second largest producer of biofuels, and its production continues to increase because of the commitments made in the Paris Agreement in 2015. This study reviews several key policies designed to develop Brazilian bioethanol production and to protect the environment. It is argued that many of these policies do not consider land use change or encourage land protection to achieve sustainable land use and agricultural production. Thus, this work aims to understand the importance and impacts of public policies in expanding sugarcane in Brazil in the past 34 years, with regard to land use and native vegetation. The discussion in this paper addresses the inadequacy of current policies to avoid direct and indirect land use change caused by sugarcane expansion, despite incentives such as 17 Sustainable Development Goals from the United Nations and certification schemes. The data presented indicate an indirect effect caused by the expansion of sugarcane over pasture areas, which leads to further clearing of natural vegetation to establish new pasture areas. Ultimately, this study addresses the importance of zero deforestation in Brazil, regardless of the crop that causes the conversion. Without conjoint efforts by all sectors of the economy to curtail deforestation, the sustainability of producing biofuels is not guaranteed, as the emissions caused by deforestation will not be offset by the lower GHG emissions obtained by using ethanol as a transport fuel. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the historic development of the Brazilian sugarcane ethanol sector and the largely successful attempt to create a sustainable, renewable fuel for the transport sector. The policy that resulted from this process is an example of meeting the need for sustainable transport through the consideration of location-specific characteristics and appropriate policy. The paper then questions the current and expected trajectory of the sugarcane ethanol sector with the focus on one key question: can sustainability be exported? In this analysis, the paper identifies new threats to the sustainability of Brazilian sugarcane ethanol and potential 'opportunity costs' incurred in further development and internationalization of the sector. The paper concludes that exporting sugarcane ethanol may bring unanticipated deleterious consequences, which in turn means that both policy and theory need to be more precise about how sustainable transport is defined and bounded by time and space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major progress in the bioprocessing of lignocellulose to fuels and value‐added chemicals has created the possibility of a low carbon‐footprint economy. However, the current complexity and associated costs of lignocellulose conversion result in a higher price for ethanol than for fossil fuels. The cost of cellulosic ethanol production will be lowered by further progress in development of biorefinery technology that produces both ethanol and high‐value chemicals with bio‐based products that are beginning to penetrate consumer markets in the USA, Brazil, and worldwide. The cost‐effectiveness of low carbon‐footprint bioproducts will benefit from advances in supplying large amounts of biomass solids to the biorefinery. We describe here outcomes from a successful long‐term international cooperation between the Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering (LORRE) at Purdue University in the United States and Brazil's Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) and Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), which has contributed practical pathways to enhance the biorefinery concept. This paper gives an overview of developments that address fundamental knowledge of lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment hydrolysis under optimized operational conditions and bioreactor configurations, and the science and engineering that contributes to the effective production of fuel and ethanol and value‐added products from biomass. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Sugarcane ethanol is an alternative to fossil fuels that can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and offer socioeconomic benefits, but at the same time have a series of negative impacts. Brazil is the second largest producer of fuel ethanol globally, with this production predicted to almost double over the next 15 years. However sugarcane ethanol production in the country has been shown to interact with a range of ecosystem services. It is only when such interactions are understood that we can fully determine the potential trade-offs, synergies and sustainability outcomes of biofuel production in the country. This paper explores the local perceptions about the impacts of sugarcane production on ecosystem services in two municipalities in the state of Sao Paulo with significant sugarcane production: Capivari and Rancharia. Impact perceptions have been elicited through interviews with local residents, with the results showing that perceptions vary between the two study sites and are affected considerably by the different local experiences with sugarcane production. For example, although sugarcane farming has been traditionally performed in Capivari, it has been Rancharia that has experienced more recently a rapid sugarcane expansion that has caused considerable changes in land use and farming patterns. Interview results also suggest that the negative effects of sugarcane farming can be reduced through the adoption of good agricultural practices and the enforcement of existing laws, as many respondents cited considerable improvements in ecosystem health from such actions. Assessing the perception of local communities such as the one reported in this paper can be crucial in designing policies and planning land uses that enhance the sustainability of biofuel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within a national funded Brazilian-German cooperation project ASHES, the thermal utilization of bagasse and other residuals from the sugar processing industry was examined. The characterization of the ashes was also performed but it is not in the focus of this paper. To determine the relevant combustion parameters, tests were carried out in a laboratory-scale, fixed bed reactor (KLEAA) at KIT-ITC. Subsequently, Fraunhofer UMSICHT carried out tests in continuously operated combustion plants with different plant sizes of 30 kW, 100 kW, and 440 kW. All relevant compositions were analyzed by CUTEC. The primary objective was to gain knowledge regarding the combustion and emission behavior of the fuels. These findings were used to identify optimization potentials at various points and elaborate concepts for their improvement. In the next steps of the project, optimization of these concepts will be the focus. In cooperation with the Brazilian project partners, several of them should be implemented into practice after the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the expansion of ethanol production, debate on conflicting issues regarding land use competition between biofuels and food production is raised. Integrated sugarcane/livestock systems could potentially facilitate the expansion of ethanol production without putting crop and/or livestock production at risk and displacing areas covered with natural vegetation. This study compares and analyses the profitability of (i) a sugarcane ethanol distillery (producing ethanol and bioelectricity) and a typical livestock system without integration and (ii) an integrated system producing the same output of ethanol and beef with half of the area. Therefore, this study developed metamodels to evaluate sugarcane/livestock integration from a technoeconomic perspective, aiming to maximize the profitability (Net Present Value relative to investment) of this integrated system. The obtained metamodels adequately represented the proposed systems and proved to be useful tools for simplifying complex models and providing insights into the decision-making process. Considering the assumptions adopted in this study, it was observed that the system with integration presents better economic results. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis of land rent revealed that sugarcane and livestock integration becomes economically attractive and viable under the analyzed conditions for values exceeding 258 US$/ha. The generated metamodels also allow other scenarios to be analyzed to find other economically and environmentally attractive solutions for the expansion of ethanol production in Brazil, utilizing pasture areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the re-emergence of biofuel innovation systems in the USA and Brazil. We develop a view of eco-innovation systems as emerging and evolving to solve ecological problems. We then consider the role of the State as a core actor in the mobilization of innovation systems and discuss how specific institutional arrangements, political contexts and technological competencies influence how problems are framed. We argue that the way ecological problems are framed and articulated has a significant impact on the direction and momentum of system evolution. Finally, we draw attention to the dynamic and evolving characteristics of eco-innovation systems that result from recurrent re-specifications of the problem in focus, as partial solutions emerge and as the political and economic dimensions are reframed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the net carbon dioxide (CO) emission reductions between 2005 and 2050 by using wood for energy under various scenarios of forest management and energy conversion technology in Japan, considering both CO emission reductions from replacement of fossil fuels and changes in carbon storage in forests. According to our model, wood production for energy results in a significant reduction of carbon storage levels in forests (by 46% to 77% in 2050 from the 2005 level). Thus, the net CO emission reduction when wood is used for energy becomes drastically smaller. Conventional tree production for energy increases net CO emissions relative to preserving forests, but fast-growing tree production may reduce net CO emissions more than preserving forests does. When wood from fast-growing trees is used to generate electricity with gas turbines, displacing natural gas, the net CO emission reduction from the combination of fast-growing trees and electricity generation with gas turbines is about 58% of the CO emission reduction from electricity generation from gas turbines alone in 2050, and an energy conversion efficiency of around 20% or more is required to obtain net reductions over the entire period until 2050. When wood is used to produce bioethanol, displacing gasoline, net reductions are realized after 2030, provided that heat energy is recovered from residues from ethanol production. These results show the importance of considering the change in carbon storage when estimating the net CO emission reduction effect of the wood use for energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the impact of distortions on U.S. imports of ethanol from Brazil are calculated. This is achieved by using two-stage least squares to estimate a partial equilibrium trade model based on annual data from 1975 to 2006. From this the derived export supply and import demand elasticities are used to derive "back-of-the-envelope" measures of the static and cumulative deadweight losses, assuming the distortions are not eliminated. The results presented support the hypothesis that the U.S. and Brazil would reap gains from trade if distortions in the U.S. ethanol market were eliminated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the connections among the prices of biofuels, agricultural commodities and other relevant assets in Europe, the US, and Brazil. The analysis includes a comprehensive data set covering price data for 38 traded titles during the period from 2003 to 2020. We used the minimum spanning tree (MST) approach to identify price connections in a complex trading system. Our analysis of mutual price connections reveals the major defining features of world-leading biofuel markets. We provide the characteristics of the main bioethanol and biodiesel markets with respect to government policies and technical and local features of the production and consumption of particular biofuels. Despite a relatively long and dynamically evolving history of biofuels, the biofuel systems in the US, Brazil and Europe do not converge toward the same pattern of relations among fossil fuels, biofuels, agricultural commodities and financial assets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is considered one of the world's leading producers of biofuels given the predominance of ethanol fuel in its energy matrix. However, despite the prominence of Brazil in ethanol production, the vast majority of biodiesel production plants in Brazil use methanol instead of ethanol as the alcohol for transesterification reaction, as is generally the case in the rest of the world. The aim of this paper is therefore to examine the transesterification process in the Brazilian biodiesel production in terms of sustainability. In this regard, it was necessary to evaluate the way in which the industrial process is currently carried out, the role of government incentives or subsidies for the use of ethanol to produce biodiesel, and the investments of companies in technology development for the same purpose. This study presents indications that the development of the biodiesel market in Brazil is still oriented toward a production model which is inconsistent with the environmental and social aspects of sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the American continent, the most frequently used alternative fuel is ethanol. Especially in Brazil, various blends of gasoline–ethanol fuels are widely spread. The vehicle using blended fuel is called flexible fuel vehicle. Because of several selections for the blending ratios in gas stations, the fuel properties may vary after refueling depending on a driver's selection. Also, the combustion characteristics of the flexible fuel vehicle engine may change. In order to respond to the flexible fuel vehicle market in Brazil, a study on blended fuels is performed. The main purpose of this study is to enhance performance of the flexible fuel vehicle engine to target Brazilian market. Therefore, we investigated combustion characteristics and optimal spark timings of the blended fuels with various blending ratios to improve the performance of the flexible fuel vehicle engine. As a tool for prediction of the optimal spark timing for the 1.6L flexible fuel vehicle engine, the empirical equation was suggested. The validity of the equation was investigated by comparing the predicted optimal spark timings with the stock spark timings through engine tests. When the stock spark timings of E0 and E100 were optimal, the empirical equation predicted the actual optimal spark timings for blended fuels with a good accuracy. In all conditions, by optimizing spark timing control, performance was improved. Especially, torque improvements of E30 and E50 fuels were 5.4% and 1.8%, respectively, without affecting combustion stability. From these results, it was concluded that the linear interpolation method is not suitable for flexible fuel vehicle engine control. Instead of linear interpolation method, optimal spark timing which reflects specific octane numbers of gasoline–ethanol blended fuels should be applied to maximize performance of the flexible fuel vehicle engine. The results of this study are expected to save the effort required for engine calibration when developing new flexible fuel vehicle engines and to be used as a basic strategy to improve the performance of other flexible fuel vehicle engines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sucrose-rich sugarcane trash surpasses 28 million tons globally per year. Effective biorefinery systems could convert these biomasses to bioproducts, such as bioethanol from sugarcane sucrose in Brazil. Thermophilic microbes for biofuels have attracted great attention due to their higher fermentation temperature and wide substrate spectrum. However, few thermophiles using sucrose or molasses for biofuels production was reported. Thermoanaerobacterium aotearoense SCUT27 has been considered as an efficient ethanol producer, but it cannot directly utilize sucrose. In this study, various sucrose metabolic pathways were introduced and analyzed in Thermoanaerobaterium. Results: The sucrose-6-phosphate hydrolase (scrB), which was from a screened strain Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum G3-1 was overexpressed in T. aotearoense SCUT27 and endowed this strain with the ability to utilize sucrose. In addition, overexpression of the sucrose-specific PTS system (scrA) from Clostridium acetobutylicum accelerated the sucrose transport. To strengthen the alcohols production and substrates metabolism, the redox-sensing transcriptional repressor (rex) in T. aotearoense was further knocked out. Moreover, with the gene arginine repressor (argR) deleted, the ethanologenic mutant P8S10 showed great inhibitors-tolerance and finally accumulated ~ 34 g/L ethanol (a yield of 0.39 g/g sugars) from pretreated cane molasses in 5 L tank by fed-batch fermentation. When introducing butanol synthetic pathway, 3.22 g/L butanol was produced by P8SB4 with a yield of 0.44 g alcohols/g sugars at 50℃. This study demonstrated the potential application of T. aotearoense SCUT27 for ethanol and butanol production from low cost cane molasses. Conclusions: Our work provided strategies for sucrose utilization in thermophiles and improved biofuels production as well as stress tolerances of T. aotearoense SCUT27, demonstrating the potential application of the strain for cost-effective biofuels production from sucrose-based feedstocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this paper is to use data envelopment analysis (DEA) as a support tool to establish a relative eco-efficiency measure for the different bioethanol transportation modes and to prioritize these different modes according to these figures. From a review of previous studies, we selected a set of attributes to be considered in DEA, and then experts were consulted about the importance of these attributes for this type of analysis in Brazil. To quantify the attributes, we established indicators and submitted them to DEA to evaluate the relative eco-efficiency to each available transportation mode for the case studied. The use of DEA established the guidelines to improve the transportation modes that were not considered 100 % relatively eco-efficient. These improvements could be achieved considering the percentage, reduction or growth for each of the attributes in the selected transportation mode. The proposed approach can help the Brazilian government to develop a plan to improve the bioethanol transportation infrastructure and can be used to propel short-term improvements in the highway transport of bioethanol, which could be useful given the Brazilian transportation context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The expansion of sugarcane for biofuels is a highly contentious issue. The growth of sugarcane area has occurred simultaneously with a reduction of dairy production in São Paulo state, the primary production region for sugar and ethanol in Brazil. This paper analyses different dairy farm rationales to continue dairy production in the context of a dramatically expanding sugarcane economy. Combining different data sets – semi-structured interviews with 34 farmers and baseline data from all members of a dairy farm co-operative – makes it possible to recognize different farm types. This heuristic tool is used to identify the various strategies regarding shifting to biofuel production or investing in dairy farming. The paper identifies labour availability, household resilience and technology introduction as key factors in the context of complex, multiple interactions between the biofuel sector and dairy production. We will argue that biofuel-sugarcane expansion not always pushes aside dairy farming. Those farmers that shift to sugarcane are not simply spurred by better prices, but mainly change as result of perceptions of labour constraints, risks and the opportunities offered by diversification. For farmers who totally quit dairy production the shift to sugarcane may pass the point of no return. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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]

Highlights • Comparison of the markets and methods of ethanol production in Poland and Brazil. • Differences in terminology associated with bioethanol to be used for transport purposes in both countries. • Performance of the production scale and use of ethanol in both countries in years 2010–2016. • The market attractiveness (value) of transport biofuels (especially bioethanol) in Poland. • Perspective of biofuel market development in Poland and Brazil. Abstract The objective of this paper was to compare the markets and methods of production of ethanol to be used in transport in Poland and Brazil. Differences in terminology associated with its use for transport purposes in both countries have been discussed, as well as the market-related aspects of such use, comparing, among other things, the scale of production and use in years 2010–2016 and presenting the results of research on attractiveness (value) of the market of transport biofuels (especially bioethanol) in Poland, which were compared to the perspectives of market development in Brazil. In Brazil, the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption is at the level of 42%, making it a world leader in use of energy from RES (renewable energy sources). 18% of the energy used is sugarcane bioenergy (bioethanol). At present, most of this production is being consumed by the domestic market, where ethyl alcohol is being sold as a pure ethanol fuel or mixed with gasoline. In Poland, the share of energy from renewable sources in end use of energy is 11.8%, and energy from liquid biofuels, including bioethanol, constitutes only 10.8% of this value. Although addition of bioethanol to gasoline available on the Polish market is acceptable, vehicles fueled with pure ethanol (like in Brazil) are not popular in Poland. The quantitative data presented indicates that the market of bioethanol in Poland, in relation to the Brazilian market of ethanol fuel, is very small. Production of this biofuel in Poland in year 2016 was almost 26 billion liters lower in comparison with Brazil. In 2007 the conventional biofuel sectors in Poland were considered to be relatively attractive components of the economy. In the case of methyl esters, the value of their production sector achieved the level of almost 68%, and of ethanol – almost 62%. The current results of research on the value of biofuel sectors in Poland are not encouraging in terms of investing in biofuels of this generation (conventional biofuels). Brazil has the longest history of success in terms of biofuels, in particular, bioethanol, however without a favorable taxation system, bioethanol is still more expensive than gasoline. According to forecasts, biodiesel production and consumption in Brazil are evolving in a linear manner, mainly due to the growing demand for fuel and the associated growth in the fleet of Brazilian vehicles and the perspective of increase of the biodiesel/diesel oil mix in the coming years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New alliances between Brazil and the US for ethanol production, transport, and trade are revitalising and expanding the centuries-old sugarcane plantation system in the Americas. In this paper I adopt the concept of global assemblages, building on the work of Aihwa Ong, Stephen Collier, and Saskia Sassen, to draw the contours of an 'ethanol assemblage', which includes states, corporations, growers, technologies, urban consumers, and rural communities and landscapes. Though important to conceptualise agrofuels as a global phenomenon, it is also necessary to recognise the distinct regional patterns that cohere around various aspects of this polymorphous industry. Therefore, I focus on alliances around sugarcane ethanol, paying particular attention to the role of Miami as a global city serving as a gateway to information, investment, and commodities for the public/private and national/transnational entities that are engaged in the hemispheric project of ethanol promotion, production and distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

• Existing sugarcane biorefineries in Brazil are the main advantage to implement BtL route; • High costs of equipment and technologies are the main challenges to economic viability; • Bioethanol commercialization helps to make the integrated BtL plant feasible; • Base case presents IRR close to the minimum rate accepted by the sector (10–12%); • Lower equipment costs and higher ethanol prices combined to improve the process viability. Brazil is one of the major players in the biofuels market worldwide, and its existing biorefining infrastructure can be used as the basis to support the implementation of new advanced biofuel production routes at a large scale. This paper demonstrates the benefits of the integration of both biochemical and thermochemical processes and how this configuration has the potential to overcome the main barriers that the Biomass-to-Liquids (BtL) route currently faces. Important bottlenecks such as the high equipment costs, low industrial process efficiency, and high feedstock prices were studied in detail by assessing a series of production scenarios that take into account the Brazilian context for building new biorefinery plants. By carrying out a techno-economic analysis aided by a simulation framework (the Virtual Sugarcane Biorefinery), we evaluated the potential technological synergies of a BtL plant processing sugarcane bagasse and straw integrated into a first-generation sugarcane ethanol distillery. Results in this paper indicate that it is possible to achieve economic feasibility with the implementation of the BtL route in the country. Under a base scenario, a greenfield plant would be very close to the range of economic viability (IRR from 10 to 12% per year), whereas more optimistic economic conditions (e.g., lower CAPEX and higher fuel prices) would induce even better results (IRR greater than 16% per year). Doubling the milling capacity also favors the BtL process, with IRR reaching 20% per year if the best economic conditions are achieved in the Brazilian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is one of the largest ethanol biofuel producers and exporters in the world and its production has increased steadily during the last three decades. The increasing efficiency of Brazilian ethanol plants has been evident due to the many technological contributions. As far as yeast is concerned, few publications are available regarding the industrial fermentation processes in Brazil. The present paper reports on a yeast selection program performed during the last 12 years aimed at selecting Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains suitable for fermentation of sugar cane substrates (cane juice and molasses) with cell recycle, as it is conducted in Brazilian bioethanol plants. As a result, some evidence is presented showing the positive impact of selected yeast strains in increasing ethanol yield and reducing production costs, due to their higher fermentation performance (high ethanol yield, reduced glycerol and foam formation, maintenance of high viability during recycling and very high implantation capability into industrial fermenters). Results also suggest that the great yeast biodiversity found in distillery environments could be an important source of strains. This is because during yeast cell recycling, selective pressure (an adaptive evolution) is imposed on cells, leading to strains with higher tolerance to the stressful conditions of the industrial fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the economic feasibility of ethanol and higher alcohols production through a thermochemical route in Brazil. This route comprises mainly sugarcane bagasse gasification, syngas cleaning, and synthesis of alcohols. Ethanol production costs and associated risks are evaluated in different scenarios. A case study of a virtual plant to be located adjacent to a sugarcane mill, in the state of São Paulo, is presented with the objective of finding the minimum ethanol selling price (MESP) that makes the plant’s project economically feasible. The analysis utilizes first the traditional discounted cash flow method and then proceeds to use a stochastic approach, which is more suitable to study economic feasibility under uncertainty conditions. In the latter approach, prices of raw materials and products are modelled through a mean reverting stochastic process, and economic feasibility is analysed with the help of Monte Carlo simulations. Results are summarized via a histogram of the MESPs obtained for different simulated price scenarios. Finally, the project’s risk is evaluated by computing the number of instances in which the MESP is greater than the ethanol market price. [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]

• BECCS assessment of a power system based on biomass gasification (BIG-CC), integrated into a sugarcane plant. • CO 2 capture by the pre-combustion route has less impact on the sale of surplus electricity. • The CO 2 mitigation cost was estimated at 60 €/tCO 2 for pre-combustion and 52 €/tCO 2 for post-combustion. • The feasibility of CO 2 capture is impacted by the scale and cost of electricity generation. • Conventional cogeneration systems (CEST) are suggested for the first BECCS units. In order to make feasible the efforts that would limit the rise of Earth's temperature to no more than 2 °C, profound changes are required in the energy systems. In this sense, BECCS are considered instrumental to attain possible negative emissions. This draws attention to the sugarcane industry in Brazil, where it is possible to produce fuel ethanol at a relative low cost and a large amount of relatively cheap biomass is available. This paper is part of a research that aims to study the combined production of liquid fuels and electricity, using sustainable sources of biomass and maximizing carbon capture. Two cases related to an innovative technology were evaluated and in both the capture is based on amine technology: pre-combustion capture of CO 2 from the fuel gas derived from biomass gasification, and post-combustion capture from gas turbine exhaust gases. Information from the scientific literature was used in modelling the systems, as well as estimating energy penalties and costs associated with capturing, transporting and storing CO 2. The results indicate technical feasibility of both capture options, but difficulties in setting the full integration of the power unit (BIG-CC) with the sugarcane mill and the CCS system, due to the high demand for thermal energy as low-pressure steam. The estimated CO 2 abatement cost is in the range 60–71 €/tCO 2 for pre-combustion capture, and 52–63 €/tCO 2 in the case of post-combustion. Feasibility results are impacted by the scale of CO 2 capture (0.82–1.44 MtCO 2 /year), particularly in the pre-combustion case, and the relatively high cost of electricity generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane ethanol production generates about 360 billion liters of vinasse, a liquid effluent with an average chemical oxygen demand of 46,000 mg/L. Vinasse still contains about 11% of the original energy from sugarcane juice, but this chemical energy is diluted. This residue, usually discarded or applied in fertigation, is a suitable substrate for anaerobic digestion (AD). Although the technology is not yet widespread—only 3% of bioethanol plants used it in Brazil in the past, most discontinuing the process—the research continues. With a biomethane potential ranging from 215 to 324 L of methane produced by kilogram of organic matter in vinasse, AD could improve the energy output of sugarcane biorefineries. At the same time, the residual digestate could still be used as an agricultural amendment or for microalgal production for further stream valorization. This review presents the current technology for ethanol production from sugarcane and describes the state of the art in vinasse AD, including technological trends, through a recent patent evaluation. It also appraises the integration of vinasse AD in an ideal sugarcane biorefinery approach. It finally discusses bottlenecks and presents possible directions for technology development and widespread adoption of this simple yet powerful approach for bioresource recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing supply of non-conventional oil in the U.S. has changed the dynamics of crude oil market and the flow of oil products in the Atlantic Basin. The Gulf of Mexico (GoM) emerges as an exportation hub of oil products, contributing to a scenario in which gasoline prices tend to decline. Meanwhile, from 2010, the competitiveness of the Brazilian sugarcane ethanol has been ruptured by the country's gasoline price policy that had not followed international price parity. The political conjuncture of the U.S. incites high utilization rates of their refining system in the GoM. In this context the profitability of the ethanol business can be impacted in Brazil, by either the current policy of controlled domestic gasoline prices or a future scenario of declining gasoline international prices. Therefore, this study tests if this gasoline price scenario can compromise even more the competitiveness of the Brazilian ethanol. Particularly, for a scenario of falling prices, ethanol production in Brazil would be under strong pressure of gasoline supply coming from the U.S. This can impact Brazil's ethanol industry, whose development has been justified by climate change policies. In that sense, the paper also discusses the future opportunities and challenges for Brazil's ethanol industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of bioethanol from materials of renewable origin is an important matter for a more sustainable economic development, and at the same time it challenges researchers to seek more efficient technologies that can make it viable. Wood is a profitable and advantageous option, with special emphasis on eucalyptus, whose cultivation has high turnover in Brazil, where land is available for this purpose. Therefore, the goal of this research was to optimize the hydrolysis stage using acid instead of enzymes for the conversion of chips of Eucalyptus urograndis into bioethanol, with additional co-production of furfural and commercial lignin, in order to make the process more advantageous. To obtain bioethanol, a pre-treatment adapted from autohydrolysis was performed to remove the hemicelluloses, followed by soda pulping to remove the lignin and, finally, the acid hydrolysis of the β-(1→4) glycosidic bonds between the C1–C4 cellulose carbons releasing β-D-glucose monomers to be fermented into bioethanol. In the acid hydrolysis step, sulfuric acid of concentration 1127 gL−1 was used. After the experimental analyses performed, it could be observed that in acid hydrolysis, treatments using 70 mL and 80 mL of sulfuric acid did not differ statistically in relation to glucose production. However, by increasing the volume of acid to 90 mL, there was an increase in the production of fermentable sugars into bioethanol, 63.7 %, which began decreasing when adding acid above 93 mL, because the excess of acid also caused the degradation of sugars into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF); and in the treatment of 100 mL there was a higher production of HMF. The production of bioethanol proved to be competitive after the fermentation of the sample from the 90 mL treatment with a production of 103.7 L of bioethanol/ton of wood, in addition to being beneficial to the process as a whole with the co-production of furfural, 28.8 kg of furfural ton−1 of wood, and commercial lignin, 428.3 kg of lignin per ton of wood, precursors to various chemicals such as resins, coatings and inks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade, environmental protection is one of the major challenges. It is necessary to ensure the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural resources, in accordance with the requirements of a sustainable economic and social development. The most important impact of modern human activities is the release of large amounts of different compounds after burning of fossil fuels, which are responsible for increasing of greenhouse gases (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere. The depletion of fossil fuels and necessity to increase energy reserves, especially for the propulsion of transport, contributed to search and use of alternative fuels. Partially or completely substitution of gasoline with bioethanol is an alternative method to reduce GHG emissions. Currently, biofuels (first generation) are produced from sources which are used to feed the population. The competition between food vs. biofuel could be solved if biofuels were obtained from renewable resources, such as lignocellulosic biomass (LCB). Second-generation biofuels are obtained from raw materials such as agricultural (straws, sugarcane bagasse, corn stalks and cobs) and forestry residues (sawdust, bark, branches, etc.) which do not interfere with global food production. In 2019, the main producers of bioethanol were USA, Brazil and EU which produced about 54%, 30% and 5% respectively of the worldwide bioethanol. This paper reviews the most important steps in bioethanol production are pretreatment, hydrolysis and fermentation of the mash. There are a lot of pretreatments, such as physical, chemical, physicochemical, biological and combined pretreatments. The combined pretreatments have been shown to be more effective compared to single pretreatments, and there is a wide range of combinations which can be applied in the future. Hydrolysis step contributes to the release of fermentable sugars, which are further converted by microorganisms into bioethanol. There are a lot of hidrolysis methods, such as Separated Hydrolysis and Fermentation (SHF), Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF), Simultaneous Saccharification and co-Fermentation (SSCF) and Consolidated Bioprocessing (CBP). The liquid fraction obtained after pretreatment and hydrolysis contain various predominant carbohydrates such as glucose and xylose. Therefore, special microorganisms are needed to perform co-fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of some selected biomass waste to be used as feedstock in the production of bioethanol and biohydrogen along with chemicals in Brazil. The substrates are rice bran (RB), rice husk (RH), brewer's spent grain (BSG), soybean waste (SW), and wheat waste (WW). These substrates are treated by diluted acid hydrolysis in an autoclave under different conditions of acid concentration, temperature, reaction time, and moisture. The highest concentration of reducing sugars (RS) of RH, RB, BSG, SW, and WW hydrolysates, measured by the 3,5‐dinitrosalicylic acid method (DNS), is 118.16 ± 2.85, 170.39 ± 20.47, 600.97 ± 23.05, 80.38 ± 2.39, and 228.04 ± 3.97 gRS kg−1substrate (dry basis), respectively. Total sugar concentration (cellobiose, glucose, xylose, arabinose) in the RH, RB, BSG, SW, and WW hydrolysates (with highest concentration of RS) is 56.54 ± 3.65, 42.99 ± 0.84, 72.18 ± 2.34, 42.48 ± 0.18, and 78.03 ± 3.06 gsugar kg−1substrate (dry basis). The total potential of bioethanol and biohydrogen production from the biomass assessed is 199.61 million L per year and 96.14 million m3 per year, respectively. Therefore, the assessed biomass is proved to be a potential biorefinery feedstock. [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 value of lignocellulose residues for green technologies has been growing, but biomass pretreatment is still an economic challenge. In this case study, a cost analysis of subcritical water pretreatment (SCWP) of sugarcane by‐products for ethanol production was conducted. The proposed industrial scheme is attached to a Brazilian sugarcane mill, which generates a surplus of bagasse. Seven scenarios were simulated to address the prospects of the implementation of the process in the mill. The fermentation of sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate with Scheffersomyces stipitis upgraded the ethanol yield. The fixed capital investment of the industrial process was approximately US$27 million and 35% of this was associated with the SCWP. The highest ethanol yield was obtained for the process operated with hydrolysate from sugarcane bagasse (6740.5 kg ethanol day−1), which is associated with the high hemicellulose content in the bagasse composition compared with straw. The cost difference revealed that the fixed capital investment and utilities were the largest expenses for process implementation and operation. The simulated process reached 5.45 US$ L−1 as the lowest cost of manufacturing. However, this cost is approximately 10‐fold higher than the market price for ethanol in Brazil. In conclusion, the SCWP of sugarcane straw and bagasse demands significant technical improvement before scaling up to the industrial scale for bioethanol production. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethanol is the main biofuel produced by fermentation route and the search for new feedstocks to produce fuel ethanol is still a great challenge. This work aims to compare the ethanol production from a new irrigated rice cultivar BRS AG to the conventional cultivar BRS PAMPA applied in Brazil. Six different commercial strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (BG-1, CAT-1, FT-858, JP-1, PE-2, and SA-1) were applied in fermentation reactions. Fermentations performed with BRS PAMPA rice revealed that the highest yields were achieved with strain SA-1, corresponding to 93.0% of the theoretical maximum and final ethanol concentration of 58.92 g L−1, and with CAT-1, a yield of 92.7% and final ethanol concentration of 58.93 g L−1. For the fermentations with BRS AG rice, the highest yields were obtained with strain FT-858, exhibiting a 89.6% yield and final ethanol concentration of 62.45 g L−1, and with CAT-1, 87.9% yield and final ethanol concentration of 61.25 g L−1 were achieved. The most appropriate microorganism for ethanol production using BRS PAMPA rice and BRS AG rice was CAT-1. Comparatively, the ethanol yield and productivity using BRS AG were higher than those observed for BRS PAMPA for all strains, except for PE-2 and SA-1 that led to very similar results. The experimental results showed that the giant rice BRS AG is an excellent feedstock for fuel ethanol production in lowland fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper investigates the consumption of sugar cane ethanol in Brazil for the time period from January 2000 to December 2012. We examine ethanol and gasoline consumption along with the price ratio series. Two important features of the data are analyzed, in particular, its degree of persistence and the seasonality. The results show that the two series of consumption are fractionally integrated with orders of integration smaller than 1 implying that shocks in the series will disappear in the long run. On the other hand, the price ratio series displays an order of integration higher than 1 implying lack of mean reversion behavior. This suggests that strong policy measures must be adopted on prices in the event of shocks since they do not recover by themselves in the long run. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present aspects about the energy balance of sugarcane crops and its carbon dioxide emissions. We calculate energy used in agricultural, industrial and distribution sectors by five sugarcane mills of Mato Grosso do Sul and we compare the yield with its energy delivery. The energy balance obtained, with an average 6.8, shows that is advantageous to produce ethanol in the lands of that Brazilian state. We have prepared a forecasting of electricity production from bagasse taking into account two types of technology. Finally, we present the potential value of CO2 emitted by the five mills to evaluate greenhouse gas emissions of the ethanol production valor chain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Brazilian experience of more than three decades in the development and production of fuel ethanol from sugarcane has been an example of the technical and institutional requirements for the sustainable development of second generation ethanol (lignocellulosic ethanol) production. The main goal of this paper is to demonstrate the positive sugarcane conditions for the development of second generation ethanol. In order to do that, different industrial scenarios are considered to discuss technical and economic aspects of present and future sugarcane biorefineries. Furthermore, a carbon balance is performed to assess the added value to the carbon present in different sugarcane biorefinery products. The current Brazilian sugarcane production, which is processed in more than 400 mills, is around 600 Tg y−1, occupying an area of 78,000 km2. It can supply 84 Tg of bagasse at no cost and about 42 Tg of trash, which can be processed as a lignocellulosic material for ethanol production or other higher added value products in a biorefinery – as carbon balance results showed that a biorefinery is able to add value to the carbon presented in the sugarcane – using second generation technologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: After the introduction of flexfuel vehicles in Brazil, hydrated ethanol and gasohol (gasoline blended with anhydrous ethanol at an average volumetric proportion of 75:25) became basically perfect substitutes. This paper tests the hypothesis that hydrated ethanol prices follow the price of gasohol in Brazil (opportunity cost of ethanol). In addition it tests the hypothesis that gasoline ex-refinery price variation in Brazil tends to follow the variation in the Brent crude spot price. By testing these two hypotheses simultaneously, this study test a more general hypothesis that expresses the influence of Brent spot prices on hydrated ethanol prices in Brazil (second order effect). Findings indicate that a variation in the Brent spot price does not automatically cause a variation in gasoline ex-refinery prices in Brazil. The best correlation found was between the Brent price fluctuation and the six-month average gasoline ex-refinery price. In case of gasohol and ethanol pump prices, this relation is elastic over the long and short-term in the Brazilian market. However, the short-term elasticity is greater than that over the long run. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sugar and ethanol production are key components of Brazil’s rural development and energy strategies, yet in recent years sugar production has been widely criticized for its environmental and labor practices. This study examines the relationship between rural development and sugarcane, ethanol, and cattle production in the state of São Paulo. Our results suggest that the value added components of sugarcane production, which include sugar refining and ethanol production, may have a strong positive affect on local human development in comparison to primary agricultural production activities and other land uses. These results imply that sugar production, when accompanied by a local processing industry can stimulate rural development. However, this paper also highlights the significant environmental and social harms generated by the sugar industry at large, which may undermine its development benefits if not addressed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: While the environmental and economic dimensions of sustainability have received plenty of attention in biofuel policies and assessment, only recently has the social ‘pillar’ gained increasing weight, demonstrated e.g. by debates over the dilemmas such as food vs. fuel and large vs. small-scale biofuel production. This paper calls for greater attention to power relations when assessing biofuel policies. A centre-periphery framework is applied for examining power relations in the Brazilian sugar and alcohol sector since the launching of the country''s transport biofuel programme, Proálcool, in 1975. Particular attention is paid to the country''s poor Northeast, today responsible for a small fraction of bioethanol production in Brazil, but highly dependent on its sugar and alcohol sector for employment and economic output. The analysis demonstrates the pervasive role of unequal and rigid power relations in shaping Proálcool''s social impacts. The small sugar elite in the Northeast has increased its power and protected itself against market instability by diversifying its activity, while the benefits have failed to trickle down to the poorest in the sugarcane zone in the Northeast coast. The recent and on-going entry of new players in the Brazilian biofuel scene may provide opportunities of breaking the entrenched power structures and creating space for more pro-poor policies, notably through international sustainability certification. Any such schemes must, however, be designed carefully to avoid capture by the regional elites, and counteract the present tendencies towards further concentration of power – a danger particularly acute in the development of advanced next generation biofuels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Most of the bio-ethanol produced in the center-south region of Brazil is carried to ports for export by trucks. This paper establishes priorities based on financial and socio-environmental considerations for choosing between alternative ways of transporting bio-ethanol. A field study is conducted to determine the relevant attributes for evaluating alternatives and combined with prior work to identify attribute-related indicators. It is found that using roadway to feed long distance pipelines to delivering bio-ethanol directly to the port is the best choice irrespective of the socio-environmental weighting deployed. Long distance road transport is the worst of the alternatives considered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Equating eco-efficiency with the business link to sustainable development is clearly limited, especially with the new paradigms brought up by Corporate Social Responsibility, which has shown that the private sector’s contribution to sustainable development can go far beyond the sphere of pollution control. It is necessary to give eco-efficiency a broader meaning so that it can support the quest for sustainable development. This requires the inclusion of social aspects, leading to a kind of eco-social efficiency. The present paper illustrates this idea by comparing Brazilian production and use of ethanol from sugarcane, in the context of the National Alcohol Program (Proalcool), with biodiesel production and use, in the context of the Biodiesel National Program (PNPB). Despite the problems presented, PNPB was designed to encourage companies to align productivity concerns with social ones, what could be the beginning of the here called eco-social efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article aims to investigate the introduction, sustenance and consolidation of bioethanol in Brazil. It presents an analysis of its introductory stage, from the first decades of the 20th century until the early 1970s, when, in a second stage, additional measures allowed for its consolidation and maturity, under the widely known Proalcool. The paper presents a historical reinterpretation of the policies, mechanisms and instruments adopted in both stages, aiming to highlight the economical and political links. It is concluded that the interests of the agrarian elites, operating at the political level, and the fuel supply crisis during Second World War were basic during the first stage, to sustain a productive and logistic capacity and maintain ethanol alive as an automotive fuel. It is also concluded that the launching of Proalcool represented a transition combining the interests of the sugarcane agribusiness, burdened by the drop in sugar prices, and the need to equilibrate the balance of payments due to the oil shocks of the 1970s. Ethanol supply shocks harmed its credibility and its commercial consolidation was only possible through the introduction of flex-fuel vehicles with expectations strongly relying on climate change mitigation actions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper selects biofuel scenarios to substitute diesel in Brazil based on oil reserves increase, diesel imports, CO2 emissions, crops agronomic yields, byproducts marketing and social impacts. This hard task still considers that agricultural practices in developing countries have large social impacts. Brazil presents high consumption of diesel oil in transport; low agronomic yield of traditional vegetable oil crops, which demand large cultivation areas contrasting with microalgae and palm oils which present high productivity. Concerning technologies, thermal cracking and transesterification of vegetable oils present a difficult economic situation related to vegetable oils price, food competition and glycerin market; BTL technology, meaning thermal gasification of biomass to liquids, faces problems related to low density of biomaterials and low viscosity of synthetic biodiesel produced. Biorefinery algal integrated systems and co-solvent technology to introduce up to 8% of ethanol into diesel seem to be feasible routes to reduce diesel consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Taking Brazilian bioethanol as an example, this paper presents possible sustainability criteria for a certification scheme aimed to minimize negative socio-ecological impacts and to increase the sustainable production of biomass. We describe the methods that have led us to the identification of a first set of feasible sustainability criteria for Brazilian bioethanol and discuss issues to be considered when developing certification schemes for sustainability. General problems of a certification scheme lie in the inherent danger of introducing new non-tariff trade barriers and in the problems of including important higher scale issues like land conversion and food security. A certification system cannot replace a thorough analysis of policy impacts on sustainability issues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bioethanol as fuel oxygenator is currently being introduced in Mexico with an estimated yearly demand of 3 billion liters expected to be produced mainly from sugarcane. This paper studies how to employ some of the expertise acquired by Brazil during its transition from typical mills into advanced biorefineries to retrofit the Mexican sucroalcohol industry. A typical Mexican sugarcane factory design is retrofitted to three biorefinery designs commonly found in Brazil, which are an autonomous distillery, a biorefinery with 50:50 feedstock ratio for ethanol and sugar production and a molasses distillery. The results of a techno-economic analysis considering these four designs under Mexican conditions are presented, followed by an economic comparison of the autonomous distillery design operating under Mexican and Brazilian conditions. Sustainability analysis is then carried out to identify the advantages and drawbacks of each design. The analysis compares an environment-driven scenario promoting bioethanol production and use for phasing out fossil fuels, against a commercially focused framework considering only environmental and economic issues affecting stakeholders' profit. Results show in monetary terms the impact of each indicator of a retrofitting path from currently profitable biorefineries coproducing sugar and alcohol to sustainable distilleries using molasses and juice as feedstock to produce bioethanol. • Retrofitting the Mexican sugar industry with Brazilian expertise for ethanol production. • Techno-economic and sustainability analyses of all designs. • Calculation with same tools and bases, thus highlighting differences between countries. • Comparison of environment-driven sustainability versus current commercial practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]