Search

There is an urgent need for energy sources with lower environmental impacts to dispose of waste generated by human activities. In this context, a holistic analysis of energy use of waste from agricultural and forestry activities, animal excreta, urban solid waste and sewage, waste from the pulp and paper industry and charcoal in Brazil is presented. Based on a bibliographic review, the current Brazilian panorama is presented in figures giving, a vision of national potential for harnessing bioenergy from this theoretical and technical potential. The QGIS3.24.2 Tisler geoprocessing tool was used to generate potentiality maps from census data of microregions and municipalities available in the IBGE database (2022) and in the Geocentric Reference System for the Americas (SIRGAS 2000). The results of map analysis by micro‐regions of the primary energy from agricultural residues highlight sugar cane, corn and soybeans crops, followed by wastewater and animal excreta. They stood out amont the studied sources of biomass with technical potentials of 53.17, 15.23 and 6.81 GW, respectively. With these results, it is concluded that Brazil could enable around 75 GW installed power, reusing all biomass, potentially 12.5 PJ, without considering the 16 GW already installed from sugarcane and paper black liquor plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the wood chemical and energetic characteristics of Eucalyptus spp. clones planted in three sites in the Midwest of Brazil. Thus, five clones from Eucalyptus spp. were planted in different sites aiming to determine the qualitative characteristics of the wood resulting from the variation in the tree growth environment and the genetic material. The same clones were planted in the three sites to determine the genotype × environment interaction. The trees were then sampled at 5 years after planting for their physical–chemical and energetic characterization. The results showed that the wood characteristics vary in different proportions according to the clone, just as the growth environment of the trees alters the behavior of the clones for the same characteristics. The edaphic variables affected the wood characteristics, inferring that the water content in the soil has more effect on the wood properties than the water content in the air, mainly on wood basic density. The results of this study indicate that using the appropriate genotype related to the environment conditions determines the wood characteristics, since the wood properties are strongly influenced by the edaphoclimatic variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land use change (LUC), specifically the cultivation of monoculture sugarcane, can negatively impact soil biodiversity, leading to a decline in soil health and ecosystem functioning. However, while studies focusing on macrofauna and microorganisms are more frequent in the literature, the impacts of LUC on mesofauna are still little known. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impacts of the predominant LUC for sugarcane production in Brazil on the diversity of edaphic mesofauna in soils with contrasting textures. In addition, we assessed correlations between biodiversity and soil properties chemical, biological, and physical attributes. We took samples from two sites (clayey and sandy soils) in southeastern Brazil. The sequence of LUC included i) native vegetation (NV), ii) pasture (PA), iii) sugarcane (SC), and iv) sugarcane ratoon (SCr). In the rainy season, monoliths (25 x 25 x 10 cm), soil samples were collected at 0-10,10-20, and 20-30 cm to assess soil mesofauna, soil chemical (pH, soil organic matter, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, calcium, magnesium, potential acidity, cation exchange capacity), physical (soil porosity) and biological (microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen) properties. The mesofauna taxonomic groups were quantified after the classification. Briefly, a total of 22 taxonomic groups were classified. The most predominant groups were non-oribatid mites, oribatid mites, and Collembola. Richness and abundance were lower in the three land uses studied (PA, SCr, SC) compared to the intercept (NV). In clayey soil, diversity decreased from NV to PA (-0.68 ± 0.27) and SC (-0.55 ± 0.27) but not to SCr. In sandy soil, land use significantly impacted the mesofauna diversity and evenness index, significantly reducing these indexes in SCr in relation to NV. Although land use change towards more intensified systems resulted in a loss of richness and abundance of soil mesofauna, sugarcane cultivation over the years can recover the diversity of mesofauna in clay-textured soils. These results provide a scientific background to better understand the LUC effects on sugarcane cultivation and support the establishment of sustainable practices that enhance soil health and biodiversity in different soil textures. This study highlights the need for tailored land management considering soil texture and biodiversity for improved ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for species that produce high-quality charcoal is necessary to reduce the use of non-renewable sources of energy in the steel industry. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the quality of new and non-commercial charcoal species in Brazil. Eight species of Corymbia and Eucalyptus were sampled and carbonized on a laboratory scale. The gravimetric yields of the carbonization, proximate and ultimate analysis, apparent density (AD) and energy density (ED), higher heating value (HHV), ignition (Di), and combustion (Si) indexes were determined through the curve of thermogravimetric derivative (DTG). The results suggest that C. variegata, E. longirostrata, E. major , C. henryi, and C. citriodora are competitively promising for producing charcoal for the steel industry when compared to the commercial species (E. urophylla) since they produce low reactivity charcoal (Si ∼3 × 107%2 min−2 °C−3), high energy density (>13 GJ m−3) and apparent density (>400 kg m−3). These characteristics are essential for a better energy performance, making the non-commercial species appropriate for use in Brazilian steel industry since there is a reduction on the energy consumption in the blast furnace per ton of iron produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brazil, to accomplish your appointments about climate changes (Paris Agreement/2015 and COP26/2021), established annual goals of descarbonization to the fuels department. This study analyze the efficiency of the oilseeds production classified as fixed oils or triglycerides, demanded by the biodiesel industry. The efficiencies' analyze of the technique was a Data Envelopment Analysis. The output was the production volume, the inputs were the fixed variables and costs, collected from July to September/2021 on official digital platforms. Were selected the soy, the corn and the cotton that have been part of the biodiesel production base since 2011 (from 49 producing counties). Of 23 soy productors, 13 have maximum efficiency and 10 needs adjustments to become efficiencies. Among the efficiencies the produced soy kg/ha medium cost is R$ 1,09, among the inefficiencies is R$ 1,25 (14,67% increased). Among the 19 corn producers, 6 has the maximum efficiency and 13 needs adjustments to become efficiencies. Among the efficiencies the corn kg/ha medium cost is R$ 0,54, among the inefficiencies is R$ 0,66 (22,25% increased). Of the 7 cotton producers, 6 has the maximum efficiency and 1 is inefficient, between the efficiencies the cotton kg/ha medium cost is R$ 6,54, and in the inefficient is R$ 7,90 (20% over). With the adjustments mostly in SSFP input the seeds/seedlings, fertilizers and pesticides 24 or 49% of 49 producers counties can reach the maximum efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Northeast Brazil, the use of biomass for energy generation is settled on traditional productive arrangements, such as a sugarcane production system in the humid Atlantic coastal area and firewood extraction from native tropical dry forests in the west. In parallel, substantial amounts of other biomass sources, such as residues from agricultural or urban processes, are still little used or wholly wasted, fudging the opportunity to generate new value chains based on these biomass sources. We hypothesize that using these non-traditional biomass sources to produce biofuels would significantly increase the regional bioenergy supply. In this context, this article discusses the potential for the production and use of biofuels and bioenergy in Northeast Brazil and its effects on regional development, which may be useful for both private actors and policymakers in the energy sector. The use of biomass sources for energy in the region is significant, reaching approximately 8.8 million tons of oil equivalent (toe) per year, emphasizing the already consolidated production of sugarcane and its derivatives. The use of all biomass resources in the Northeast region could supply around 4% of the Brazilian national electrical energy demand, with an environmental footprint of 0.055 tCO2eq per toe, which would contribute to reducing emissions from the Brazilian energy matrix generation. Regarding the spatial distribution of biomass sources, sugarcane prevails on the coast, firewood and livestock manure in the dryland area towards the west, and municipal solid waste is distributed throughout the region within urban areas. Different from what we expected, the potential energy recovery from municipal waste and animal manure would increase by only 17% the current bioenergy supply. In the future, since the majority of the region presents a semi-arid climate with limited rainfall, to increase the use of biomass as an energy source, there is a need to increase the supply of biomass sources with high efficiency in water use and good yields in drylands. For this, the cultivation and use of cacti and agave, for example, could contribute to making biorefineries viable in the region. Above all, public policies for harnessing bioenergy in NE Brazil must seek opportunities associated with the carbon/decarbonization economy, with studies being needed to assess the technical, economic, social, and environmental viability of future productive arrangements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioeconomy development requires the adoption of a comprehensive concept of biorefinery. This study analyzes the experts' perceptions regarding biorefinery concepts and discusses the implications for development of the bioeconomy in Brazil. Forty‐five statements about biorefinery concepts were prepared. Statements were grouped accordingly to assess whether the experts agree more with a conventional, transitional or comprehensive biorefinery concept. The statements were organized and submitted to the experts following the procedures outlined by Q‐methodology. Thirty‐six experts from the government (13), academia (17) and industry (6) participated in the study. Government, academic and industry experts answered 'what is a biorefinery?' differently. Biorefinery as a biobased value chain, a bioecological economic model and the basis for sustainable energy production were the most relevant among the eight factors explaining the experts' perspectives on biorefinery (63.35% of the total variation). Since the perspectives on biorefinery vary among experts from different sectors, we conclude that joint efforts should be made to adopt a comprehensive biorefinery concept to enhance the transition to the bioeconomy. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural areas have great renewable energy potential. With an introduction to sustainable development goals, the smart farm concept presents a novel idea for providing energy in rural areas using artificial intelligence and renewable energy management. We proposed the following topics in this research: (i) methodologies for sizing generation systems by integer linear programming, (ii) use of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to select the alternative source by financial, environmental, social, and physical criteria, and (iii) training of an artificial neural network (ANN) for process optimization based on the agroeconomic profile of farms. We applied the proposed generic methodology to farms in São Francisco do Glória, Brazil. The biomass, solar, and wind systems were indicated by AHP for implementation in 62.16, 15.32, and 22.52% of farms, respectively. The best configuration of ANN presented a maximum precision of 81.80 ± 3.36%. If the systems were to be implemented, 1.975 GWh yr−1 would be generated, 435.23 tonnes of CO 2 would no longer be emitted per year, and a CO 2 credit of 366.62 tonnes yr−1 would be injected into the national electric system. Public policies are necessary for this scenario to become a reality in Brazil, such as research incentives and market development. [Display omitted] • Three power generation systems for farms in a small municipality were evaluated. • A decision-making tool was developed considering four indicators. • Economic, financial, social, and physical indicators were used. • Biomass was indicated as an alternative source in 62.16% of farms. • An artificial neural network was trained to optimize alternative source selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioenergy could play a major role in decarbonizing energy systems in the context of the Paris Agreement. Large‐scale bioenergy deployment could be related to sustainability issues and requires major infrastructure investments. It, therefore, needs to be studied carefully. The Bioenergy and Land Optimization Spatially Explicit Model (BLOEM) presented here allows for assessing different bioenergy pathways while encompassing various dimensions that influence their optimal deployment. In this study, BLOEM was applied to the Brazilian context by coupling it with the Brazilian Land Use and Energy Systems (BLUES) model. This allowed investigating the most cost‐effective ways of attending future bioenergy supply projections and studying the role of recovered degraded pasture lands in improving land availability in a sustainable and competitive manner. The results show optimizing for limiting deforestation and minimizing logistics costs results in different outcomes. It also indicates that recovering degraded pasture lands is attractive from both logistics and climate perspectives. The systemic approach of BLOEM provides spatial results, highlighting the trade‐offs between crop allocation, land use and the logistics dynamics between production, conversion, and demand, providing valuable insights for regional and national climate policy design. This makes it a useful tool for mapping sustainable bioenergy value chain pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the scientific production carried out by the largest bioenergy research program in Brazil, the São Paulo Research Foundation Bioenergy Research Program (BIOEN‐FAPESP), in the period from 2008 to 2019. The study draws on a list of BIOEN publications on the Web of Science (WoS) platform, containing over 1000 articles, grouped under ResearcherID H‐6149‐2012. The methods applied in the study were based on the information specific to each article and involved the construction of networks including authors, countries, research subjects, and direct citations. Communities were built based on network properties and their content was extracted from articles abstracts, titles and keywords, using text mining techniques. We also obtained quantitative measures for BIOEN scientific output. The analysis found that BIOEN produced relevant knowledge, and contributed to the emergence of new research areas in the bioenergy sector. Overall, BIOEN was decisive for the advancement of bioenergy research in Brazil, and resulted in the expansion of the knowledge base for ethanol production. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive cropland expansion for an increasing population has driven soil degradation worldwide. Modeling how agroecosystems respond to variations in soil attributes, relief and crop management dynamics can guide soil conservation. This research presents a new approach to evaluate soil loss by water erosion in cropland using the RUSLE model and Synthetic Soil Image (spectroscopy technique), which uses time series remotely sensed environmental, agricultural and anthropic variables, in the southeast region of São Paulo State, Brazil. The availability of the open-access satellite images of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and Landsat satellite images provided ten years of rainfall data and 35 years of exposed soil surface. The bare soil surface and agricultural land use were extracted, and the multi-temporal rainfall erosivity was assessed. We predict soil maps' attributes (texture and organic matter) through innovative soil spectroscopy techniques to assess the soil erodibility and soil loss tolerance. The erosivity, erodibility, and topography obtained by the Earth observations were adopted to estimate soil erosion in four scenarios of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) residue coverage (0%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) in five years of the sugarcane cycle: the first year of sugarcane harvest and four subsequent harvesting years from 2013 to 2017. Soil loss tolerance means 4.3 Mg ha−1 exceeds the minimum rate in 40% of the region, resulting in a total soil loss of ~6 million Mg yr−1 under total coverage management (7 Mg ha−1). Our findings suggest that sugarcane straw production has not been sufficient to protect the soil loss against water erosion. Thus, straw removal is unfeasible unless alternative conservation practices are adopted, such as minimum soil tillage, contour lines, terracing and other techniques that favor increases in organic matter content and soil flocculating cations. This research also identifies a spatiotemporal erosion-prone area that requests an immediately sustainable land development guide to restore and rehabilitate the vulnerable ecosystem service. The high-resolution spatially distribution method provided can identify soil degradation-prone areas and the cropland expansion frequency. This information may guide farms and the policymakers for a better request of conservation practices according to site-specific management variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of wood as a bioenergetic source requires knowledge of its technical properties. The rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis has an economic life cycle of 25 to 30 years in Brazil. It is used for extracting rubber and generating residual wood for fuel. Our goal was to characterize the wood quality of 10 clonal progenies as a source of raw material for bioenergy. Ten clonal progenies of 12-year-old Hevea brasiliensis from an experimental planting in Selvíria municipality were evaluated. Three trees per clone were evaluated for individual properties of Higher Heating Value, immediate chemical analysis, chemical composition, fiber dimensions, thermogravimetric analysis of wood under nitrogen atmosphere and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis. We highlight clone IAC 311 for fuel because it presents elevated Higher Heating Value and fixed carbon and less volatile material. However, the other genetic materials studied also meet the specifications for energy use and can be highly viable given their physical, chemical, energy, and thermal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paperexamined the regional concentration of native fuelwood production in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, between 1990-2017. Information on native fuelwood was gathered fromforestry activitiescollected by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). This studyanalyzed the current situation and the spatial distribution of the state's fuelwood production by quartiles. The following indicators were used to measure market concentration: Gini Coefficient (G), Comprehensive Concentration Index (CCI), Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) and Concentration Ratio [CR(k)]. In Rio Grande do Norte, there was a -2.76% annual decrease in the production of native fuelwood, from 5,280 x10³ m³ (1990) to 777 x10? m³ (2017). Classification of the municipalities by quartile revealed that most municipalities had low fuelwood production. The G inferred a very strong to absolute inequality for the municipalities and a weak to null inequality for the mesoregions. The CCI demonstrated no market concentration in the municipalities and a regional concentration in the mesoregions. The HHI corroborated the CCI by affirming the presence of a competitive market for the municipalities and microregions and a concentrated market in the mesoregions. The CR(k) of the four largest municipalities indicated a moderately low concentration. This study concluded that there is a competitive market structure for native fuelwood inthe state of Rio Grande do Norte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioenergy from sugarcane production is considered a key mitigation strategy for global warming. Improving its representation in land surface models is important to further understand the interactions between climate and bioenergy production, supporting accurate climate projections and decision‐making. This study aimed to calibrate and evaluate the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES) for climate impact assessments in sugarcane. A dataset composed of soil moisture, water and carbon fluxes and biomass measurements from field experiments across Brazil was used to calibrate and evaluate JULES‐crop and JULES‐BE parametrizations. The ability to predict the spatiotemporal variability of sugarcane yields and the impact of climate change was also tested at five Brazilian microregions. Parameters related to sugarcane allometry, crop growth and development were derived and tested for JULES‐crop and JULES‐BE, together with the response to atmospheric carbon dioxide, temperature and low‐water availability (CTW‐response). Both parametrizations showed comparable performance to other sugarcane dynamic models, with a root mean squared error of 6.75 and 6.05 t ha−1 for stalk dry matter for JULES‐crop and JULES‐BE, respectively. The parametrizations were also able to replicate the average yield patterns observed in the five microregions over 30 years when the yield gap factors were taken into account, with the correlation (r) between simulated and observed interannual variability of yields ranging from 0.33 to 0.56. An overall small positive trend was found in future yield projections of sugarcane using the new calibrations, with exception of the Jataí mesoregion which showed a clear negative trend for the SSP5 scenario from the years 2070 to 2100. Our simulations showed that an abrupt negative impact on sugarcane yields is expected if daytime temperatures above 35°C become more frequent. The newly calibrated version of JULES can be applied regionally and globally to help understand the interactions between climate and bioenergy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest based power plants are alternatives in the diversification of domestic energy supply in Brazil, given the growing demand for electricity in recent decades. Evidences of space-time clusters contribute to the understanding of regional development associated with correlated activity. Therefore, this paper analyzed the space-time conglomerates for Brazilian forest-based power plants, from 2000 to 2019. The data used were from the Generation Information System of the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL)-SIGA. It detected the existence of clusters by means of scan statistics via space-time permutation, considering the high level of conglomeration. The results show the Center-South region of Brazil with the highest concentration of conglomerates, with black liquor and forest residues being the most used energy resources. The clusters with the highest installed power were in the early 2010s, with the black liquor plants. The regions with the formation of fast-growing forest plantations promoted the existence of conglomerates associated with the pulp and paper and steel industry complexes. It is concluded that there was a conglomeration of forest power plants in the central-south region of Brazil, in which they help in decision-making and guidance of public policies for forestry projects for energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at investigating the binderless densification of biomass for the production of a durable solid biofuel by mixing cassava rhizome, sugarcane bagasse, and sugarcane straw. Six different treatments were applied with specific percentages of these three biomass feedstocks for the densification in a lab-scale press with heating of 120 °C. Three blend treatments and three 100% material treatments (without mix) were analyzed. Achieved briquettes were examined via various tests including proximate analysis, volumetric expansion, compression test, and energy index to assess the mechanical and energetic properties. Results indicated that the mixtures are suitable for the production of briquettes and treatment B2 was the best blend for briquette production. This study suggested that binderless densification of biomass can be achieved with the mixing of cassava rhizome, sugarcane bagasse, and sugarcane straw, which will support the development of qualified solid biofuels without the cost of binders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land‐use change (LUC)‐related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions determine largely whether bioenergy is a suitable option for climate change mitigation. This study assesses how LUC emissions influence demand for bioenergy to mitigate GHG emissions, and how this affects the energy mix, using Brazil as a case study. A methodological framework is applied linking bioenergy supply curves, with associated costs and spatially explicit LUC emissions, to a bottom‐up energy system model. Furthermore, the influence of four key determining parameters is assessed: agricultural productivity, time horizon, natural succession (NS), and the use of dynamic emission factors (EFs). Demand for new bioenergy plantations range from 0.5 to 6.7 EJ in 2050, and is avoided when its EF reaches above 15 kg CO2/GJbiomass. Dynamic EFs result in earlier and larger use of bioenergy. Static EFs attenuate all emissions evenly over time, resulting in relative high emissions around 2050 when the carbon budget is most stringent. This in contrast to dynamic EFs, having early high peaks because of clearance of natural vegetation, but relatively small long‐term emissions when the carbon budget is most stringent. Exclusion of NS, in combination with spared agricultural land, results in a demand of 6.7 EJ, because of its low carbon penalty. Assuming that land is spared due to continuous yield increase (which is the reason to include NS as and EF component), bypasses the fact that yield improvements (that make those lands available) take place because of demand for bioenergy. When low‐carbon biomass is in limited availability, increasing electrification is observed, leading to electric capacity increase of 62% (mainly wind and solar energy), and a 12% energy system costs increase. Inclusion of spatiotemporal explicit supply potential and LUC emissions leads to improved bioenergy deployment pathways that come closer to the real situation as the dynamic nature of LUC emissions is included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agricultural Research in the Tropics / Pesquisa Agropecuária Tropical is the property of Pesquisa Agropecuaria Tropical and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the state of the art related to research trends regarding the use of brewer's spent grains (BSG), the main solid by‐product generated in breweries. Its status, future opportunities, and emerging trends were evaluated by bibliometric analysis, which contributed to clarifying the knowledge and perspectives in the field. In total, 510 documents were obtained from the Web of Science© database in a timespan from 1900 to 2020. VosViewer software and R‐bibliometrix package were used to investigate and map the most frequently cited papers, international collaborative networks, keywords, and the main countries and journals associated with this research. The results showed that, globally, 65 countries have been engaged in research related to BSG, and Brazil has been the most productive country, with up to 70 publications. Keyword analysis revealed that the studies on BSG are divided into four main knowledge areas: (i) pretreatment; (ii) nutritional quality; (iii) bioactive compounds, and (iv) pyrolysis. It was also found that a biorefinery can be designed for the complete utilization of BSG to obtain several valuable compounds. In this sense, different technological routes can be applied to produce arabinoxylans, proteins, ferulic acid, xylitol, xylose, lactic acid, butanol, biogas, fertilizer, and ethanol. In conclusion, BSG is a cost‐effective and feasible raw material for the sustainable production of bio‐based products and bioenergy and its valorization in a biorefinery is a powerful strategy to promote the circular economy transition of the beer industry. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents an assessment of sugar‐energy sector expansion in Brazil, focusing on the growth of the bioelectricity supply and considering two scenarios. The first scenario, called the BASE scenario, was based on the projection made by the Brazilian Energy Research Company (EPE) for the Brazilian commitments at the Paris agreement, presented during the COP 21 (Conference of the parties) conference and ratified in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), assuming that all the electricity from biomass could be produced by the sugarcane sector. The second is a scenario considering a higher share of the sugar‐energy sector in the Brazilian electricity matrix, called the BIO scenario. The investment needed for each scenario was evaluated, using a bottom‐up approach and assuming currently available technologies. The results showed that the BIO scenario could produce 55 TWh of surplus electricity more than the BASE scenario, boosting the share of the sugar‐energy sector in the electricity matrix, reaching a total of almost 130 TWh per year and requiring an additional investment that was 39% higher than in the BASE scenario. As the sugarcane surplus electricity could replace electricity from natural gas power plants, the BIO scenario could reduce emissions by 18.4 MtCO2eq in comparison with the BASE scenario. Through the input–output model used to evaluate the socioeconomic impacts, it was observed that the BIO scenario could add 919 000 job positions and cause a positive impact to the gross domestic product (GDP) of US$ 28.8 billion, which corresponds, in comparison with the BASE scenario, to adding 83 000 more job positions, and provides a 12.5% higher contribution to GDP. The total output was 8.6% higher in the BIO scenario in comparison with the BASE scenario. All of these analyses were carried out for three selected regions in the country: the traditional region, comprising São Paulo and Paraná states; the expansion region, including Goiás, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul states; and the rest of Brazil region. A spillover effect was observed over the total output in the Rest of Brazil region, showing that the impact of the investment over this region was proportionally higher in comparison to the investment done in other in other regions. The Rest of Brazil Region also presents a higher share of the indireect effects over the GDP, jobs created and total output. The final results of this research show the potential of the sugar‐energy sector to boost electricity generation, which can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and to preserving the share of renewable sources in the Brazilian electricity matrix and increasing energy security and generation closer to the biggest centers of consumption, mitigating challenges for electricity transmission between subsystems in the National Interconnected System (SIN). © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) straw has been identified as a valuable asset for bioenergy production, but it is also a primary carbon input for sustaining soil resources. Therefore, excessive removal of this crop residue can potentially decrease soil organic carbon (SOC) and have negative environmental consequences. Most crop residue management studies focus on site‐specific responses which are important, but do not provide comprehensive assessments across the multiple edaphoclimatic conditions needed by decision makers to guide sustainable sugarcane straw management. Temporal modifications in SOC stocks induced by straw removal were quantified in 10 field experiments located in south‐central of Brazil. Each field experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with four replications, including four straw removal rates: total (TR), high (HR), low (LR) and no removal (NR). Soil sampling was performed to a 30 cm depth at the trial establishment (baseline) and after 2 and 4 consecutive years of straw removal. The data indicate that about 19% and 25% of the C added via straw were retained in areas of sandy and clay soils, respectively, and show that excessive removal rates depleted SOC stocks across the evaluated sites. Furthermore, regardless of removal rate, maintenance of straw on sandy soils was not sufficient to sustain SOC stocks, which were depleted by 2.3, 1.9, 1.5, and 1.4 Mg ha−1 year−1 for the TR, HR, LR, and NR. Our measured data provide scientific information to support policy and management decisions for straw‐derived bioenergy in Brazil. They also suggest straw removal from clay soils will be less deleterious to SOC stocks than from sandy soils, where removal should be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senna reticulata is an Amazonian tree that quickly accumulates high biomass. It grows widely in the north of Brazil occupying degraded regions and is popularly known as "matapasto" (pasture-killer) due to its aggressive colonization strategy. When its aerial parts are harvested, S. reticulata recolonizes the pasture quickly recovering biomass production. In this work, we examined the potential of S. reticulata for bioenergy production in the Amazon region and the effect of a CO2 enriched atmosphere on its biomass composition. Nearly 50% of the biomass of the aerial parts is non-structural carbohydrates (NSC). Concerning structural carbohydrates, pectins (25% and 23%), hemicelluloses (11% and 16%), and cellulose (4% and 14%) contents were very similar in leaves and stems, respectively. Lignin varied considerably among organs, being 35% in roots, 7% in stems, and 10% in leaves. Although elevated CO2 did not change significantly cell wall pools, lignin content was reduced in leaves and roots. Furthermore, starch increased 31% in leaves under elevated CO2, which improved saccharification by 47%. We conclude that Senna reticulata is a suitable species for use as a bioenergy feedstock in the tropics and specifically for remote communities in the Amazonian region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The estimate of the potential sugarcane productivity through agroclimatic models aids in the agricultural planning of the crops and the quantification of the yield for a given region. For these estimated values to be considered robust there is a need for validating the performance of such models in different areas and agricultural varieties. Hence, the aim of this study was to validate the Agro-Ecological Zone (AEZ) method with fifteen sugarcane varieties in the region of the Vale do São Patrício, state of Goiás, Brazil. We evaluated the data referring to the cane-plant (one-and-a-half-year sugarcane), as well as the first and second sugarcane ratoons (both with one-year cycles) in an irrigated and dry farming system. The productivities obtained in dry farming were corrected due to the occurrence of a water deficit in the crop. The results indicated that the AEZ method presented productivity estimates more satisfactory for the one-year cultivation cycles (ratoon cycles) for all varieties studied, with the model adjusting best to the CTC15 variety (RMSE = 8.70 t ha-1; MAE = 6.05 t ha-1; d = 0.99). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a prospective study for the potential exploitation of pelagic Sargassum spp. as a solid biofuel energy source. It was carried out in three stages. First we conducted a morphological, physical-chemical, and structural characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (DRX), respectively. Second we evaluated the material's functional properties as a solid biofuel based on its calorific value and the quantification of polymeric components like hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin, as well as thermogravimetric and differential analysis to study the kinetics of its pyrolysis and determine parameters like activation energy (Ea), reaction order (n), and the pre-exponential factor (Z). Third we analyzed the energetic potential considering the estimated volume of pelagic Sargassum spp. that was removed from beaches along the Mexican Caribbean coast in recent years. Results of the kinetic study indicate that Sargassum spp. has an enormous potential for use as a complement to other bioenergy sources. Other results show the high potential for exploiting these algae as an energy source due to the huge volumes that have inundated Caribbean, West African, and northern Brazil shorelines in recent years. As a solid biofuel, Sargassum spp. has a potential energy the order of 0.203 gigajoules (GJ)/m3. In the energy matrix of the residential sector in Mexico, its potential use as an energy source is comparable to the national consumption of firewood. The volume of beachcast Sargassum spp. that was removed from ~8 km of coastline around Puerto Morelos, Mexico in 2018–2019, could have generated over 40 terajoules/year of solid biofuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a calculation methodology that starts from the demand calculation to supply a fleet bus with renewable hydrogen based on the electrolysis process until the energetic, economic, and environmental analyses, involving all the processes of the productive chair. Also considering the dynamic behaviour of the following hydrogen processes: production, storage, and use. The simplified scheme of the proposed system configuration to be studied consists of the use of alternative and renewable sources of energy (solar-wind-biogas) to generate electrical energy in order to produce hydrogen from electrolysis of the water, which is stored in its gaseous state and subsequently redirected to a filling station to be used as vehicle fuel in buses. The results show that to feed one bus the hybrid system generates an average of 78,110 kWh/month with an installed capacity of 1101.905 kW, producing 1209.90 kgH 2 /month through the electrolysis process from water. The results also show a range of electricity generation costs between 1.130 and 0.123 US$/kWh and H 2 production between 0.963 and 0.110 US$/kWh. Concluding that the application of renewable energies to produce hydrogen and electricity for the public transport sector is an attractive alternative in the future throughout the country, because the proposed system is technically, economically and ecologically viable. • A fleet of electric city buses has a substantial impact on improving air quality. • Energy sources to be used in hybrid systems are crucial to ensure H 2 production. • H 2 production costs by the hybrid system are between 0.110 and 0.963 US$/kWh. • H 2 storage allows zero-production cost on some periods and financial inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed to determine the physicochemical and thermal properties of sugarcane Dry Cleaning System Residue(DCR) and Bagasse from milling A(BMA) and B(BMB), aiming the cogeneration system application. The DCR and BMB are obtained after the Dry Cleaning System, currently used during the mechanized harvesting implemented in Brazil. The DCR under treatment is obtained as chopped sugarcane Straw (CSS), which together with the BMA and BMB are brought to the boiler, without considering yet the alterations that can have on that system. Accordingly, CSS, BMA and BMB were undergone analysis to determine their particle size, ultimate, proximate and elemental ash composition, bulk density and Higher Heating Value (HHV). The results indicate that CSS, BMA and BMB have a higher ash content 11.19 wt%, 2.08 wt% and 1.06 wt%, and lower fixed carbon content 11.54 wt%, 10.29 wt% and 8.92 wt%, respectively, in relation to the bagasse. HHV for CSS was 6.67 MJ kg−1, 18.59 MJ.kg-1 for BMA and 18.43 MJ kg−1 for BMB, being close to the 18.89 MJ.kg-1 of the bagasse. This, enables the addition of DCR along with BMA and BMB in bagasse cogeneration plants, but it can cause a fouling and slagging effects due of the presence of ashes with high content of alkali minerals. • Characterization of sugarcane dry cleaning system residues for combustion, are showed. • Dry Cleaning System (DCS) can improve bagasse properties as a biomass for combustion. • Chopped Sugar Straw (CSS) combustion properties are impaired after DCS pretreatment. • Mechanical harvesting and DCS change sugarcane residues properties for cogeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its low share of energy-related emissions, energy systems models have overlooked the implications of technological transition in the agricultural sector and its interaction in the wider energy system. This paper explores the role of agriculture intensification by using a novel agricultural-based energy systems model. The aim is to explore the future role of Brazil's agriculture and its dynamics with other energy sectors under two carbon constraint scenarios. The main focus has been to study resource competition between sugarcane and natural gas at a country level. Results show that in order to meet the future food and bioenergy demand, the agricultural sector would start intensifying by 2030, improving productivity at the expense of higher energy demand, however, land-related emissions would be minimised due to freed-up pasture land and reduction in deforestation rates. Additionally, the development of balanced bioenergy and natural gas markets may help limit the sugarcane expansion rates, preserving up to 12.6 million hectares of forest land, with significant emissions benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing global demand for bioenergies has raised the interest in using sugarcane crop residues (straw) as feedstock to produce cellulosic ethanol and/or bioelectricity in Brazil. However, indiscriminate straw removal may deplete soil quality, particularly induced by its negative effects on soil microbial communities. A 2-year field study was conducted in soils classified as Oxisol (site 1) and Ultisol (site 2) in southeastern Brazil. The experiment started after plant cane cycle, establishing three straw removal rates (treatments), as follows: total removal, moderated removal, and no removal of sugarcane straw from the field. The amount of straw left on the soil surface and removed in the treatments varied according to the straw yield of each year and location. Soil samples were collected at 0–5- and 5–10-cm layers. The total abundance of bacteria, archaea, and fungi were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Bulk density, pH, base saturation, cation exchange capacity, phosphorus (P), and total organic C and soil microbial biomass C (MBC) were also measured. The soil chemical results indicate that the Oxisol presents higher inherent soil fertility compared with the Ultisol. In the first year, the straw had a different significant effect for bacterial and archaeal abundance in both soils and for fungi in the Oxisol site. In the second year, the numbers of gene copies of bacteria, archaea, and fungi in the 0–5-cm layer were higher under moderated and no removal when compared with those under total removal, regardless of site. The MBC decreased significantly under total removal of straw at the Ultisol site. Moderate straw removal has no significant effect on the abundance of soil microbes, but total straw removal may induce sharp reductions (from 23 to 54%) on microbial abundance. Soil microbes are a sensitive indicator to assess soil changes induced by crop residue management and should be taken into account for defining sugarcane straw management towards a sustainable bioenergy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global promotion of bioenergy for mitigating climate changes has arisen the interest of the Brazilian sugarcane industry to use crop residue (straw) as an important source of biomass for bioelectricity and cellulosic ethanol production. However, the sugarcane straw influences several soil properties, supporting soil quality and crop yields. Thus, defining an optimal removal rate would keep the benefits of the sugarcane straw in soil, and also maximize the bioenergy production. Shifts on soil bacterial structure have been used as a sensitive indicator of land management and could help to prescribe an optimal removal rate. We conducted a field study at two sites in São Paulo state to investigate how rates of sugarcane straw removal are associated with soil bacterial community changes over 1 year. Four sugarcane straw removal rates were evaluated: no removal (~ 14 Mg ha−1 of dry mass left) and 50% (~ 7.0 Mg ha−1), 75% (~ 3.5 Mg ha−1), and 100% of straw removal. The soil bacterial community structure was evaluated by the terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP). Our results indicated that soil bacteria communities change over time, regardless of site conditions, and their changes are more strongly associated with changes on straw composition. A similar straw decomposition dynamics was observed under moderate (50%) and no removal treatments. Moderate straw removal induced the lowest modification of the bacterial niche occupancy and highest microbial interaction when compared with the no removal. Therefore, the identification of changes in soil bacterial structure community is useful to provide guidance for sugarcane straw removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planted Eucalyptus forests are the largest potential energy source in Brazil. They supply energy for several industrial sectors, so a detailed quality assessment of this biomass is required. Although many important parameters have been evaluated, few studies have considered the effect of lignin composition in firewood, as the amount of syringyl (S) and guaiacyl (G) units on thermogravimetric characteristics. The aim of this research was to evaluate the energetic characteristics of Eucalyptus clones and identify the effect of chemical composition and lignin quality on the resistance to thermal degradation of firewood. The study was performed with 14 clones of Eucalyptus from a planted forest. Plant material was analyzed for energy productivity, heating value, ash content, proximate and elemental compositions, and thermal characteristics. Methods to determine chemical composition were proximate analysis, soluble extractives in acetone and quantification of lignin contents. Chemical composition and the quantity of G units influenced the combustion performance. The soluble extractives in acetone and the higher proportion of G units in lignin resulted in an increase in thermal stability and prolonged the combustion time. The mass of the structural unit G per kilogram of dry wood is a good parameter to classify Eucalyptus clones for heat generation. G units ranged from 19.61 to 25.68 g kg−1 (dry wood). The clone 1037 (Eucalyptus sp.) had superior combustion performance and the highest energetic productivity (2921.61 MJ tree−1) of the 14 clones studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forecasted expansion of arid and semi-arid lands worldwide due to climate changes requires alternatives for economically viable agricultural cropping systems to produce biomass for food and energy purposes under water-limited environments and with low emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). The cultivation of cactus pear (Opuntia cochenillifera) may be a viable alternative for biomass production in water-limited environments, to be used as animal fodder, or for energy purposes. Usually, cactus pear is cultivated using low technological inputs, such as mechanization and fertilization, but a growing number of farmers have been adopting management practices with greater inputs. Thus, the study aims to analyze the economic and energetic viability of the biomass production of cactus pear biomass production systems with increasing levels of technological inputs in the semiarid region of northeast (NE) Brazil. The research was carried out with primary data covering seven states in NE Brazil, under three levels of cropping system technological intensity: A) low; B) medium; and C) high technological intensity, based on the different inputs of mechanization, fertilization, irrigation, and other variables. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to 54 farmers to collect data about crop management practices and biomass productivity of cactus pear production systems. Energy balances were carried out using the energy return on investment (EROI) method, and the economic analysis used a deterministic approach based on the criteria of Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return, and Discounted Payback. The risk was analyzed through sensitivity and stochastic Monte Carlo simulation analysis. System A had the lowest energy expenditure and biomass productivity, resulting in an EROI of 4.42, and the lowest NPV return, with a 94.7% probability of economic viability. System B had an EROI of 3.60, therefore, the lowest economic viability (90.1%). System C stood out with the highest energy expenditure and biomass productivity, resulting in the highest EROI (5.26), economic return, and probability of viability (99.4%). Energy return of high intensity systems reached maximum values when chemical fertilization and irrigation were included (EROI of 6.14). Therefore, the high-intensity production system proved to be the most economically and energetically efficient and the most viable alternative for large-scale biomass production, regardless of the use of biomass for animal feed (fodder) or the production of biofuels. However, less productive, low-intensity systems are also energetically and economically viable and are easily accessible to small rural producers, which is an important result that supports the use of this crop in regions prone to desertification. The study contributes to the development of sustainable practices in the production of biomass in the semiarid region of Brazil and offers policymakers and stakeholders in the energy sector novel and useful information about the potential of cactus biomass as a renewable feedstock for biofuel production in the Brazilian semiarid region and other dry regions around the globe. [Display omitted] • An energy inventory was carried out for different cactus pear production systems. • The EROI of cactus varies with the technological level of crop management. • A stochastic financial evaluation was carried out for cactus production. • High technological intensity of cactus pear production system showed better EROI. • Cactus production proved to be economically viable in different systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the general acceptance that greenhouse gases from biomass can provide a low carbon energy source, bioenergy pathways are being increasingly included in many countries renewable energy and emission reduction strategies. As a result demand for biomass is rising fast with several regions forecast to encounter major resource stresses over the coming decades. The bioenergy strategies of many countries rely heavily on future imported resource to balance their bioenergy resource demands. Applying a Biomass Resource Model to evaluate and forecast the types and potential availability of different categories of biomass resources from Brazil – a case study of a country with extensive biomass resources and export potential. This research evaluates Brazil's biomass potential to 2030, and analyses the levels of resource that may be available to export. The research finds that Brazil has extensive biomass resources that are potentially sufficient to both balance Brazilian total primary energy demand by 2030 and for Brazil to increasingly become a major exporter of resource for energy end uses. The paper also discusses the potential impact for global biomass trade, if countries such as Brazil were to adopt energy strategies that resulted in greater domestic use of their available biomass. The research's analysis shows that if the Brazilian Government were to adopt strategies to utilise a greater proportion of its resource for domestic energy, Brazil could export up to >25.8% less biomass by 2030 compared to forecast export levels based on Brazil's current policy framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Integrating the source to sink BECCS chain into an energy system optimization model. • CCS cost-storage curves are created to analyze cost-competitiveness of BECCS. • Assess the dynamic relation between negative emissions and land use change emissions. • Total system costs decrease when BECCS is modelled endogenously. • Source-sink matching shows higher CO 2 injection rates (250 Mt CO 2) can be reached than mentioned in scientific literature (up to 135 Mt CO 2). • Unrestricted modeling of BECCS increases demand for biomass. Even though this comes with a higher EF due to LUC emissions, still net GHG benefits are larger. Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) can lead to negative emissions, and is seen as an important option to decarbonize energy systems. Its potential decarbonization contribution depends on low-carbon resource availability, its ability to meet end-use demand and the geological storage potential to safely trap CO 2. Here an energy system model is used to assess the BECCS decarbonization potential in Brazil, considering uncertainty in low-carbon biomass resources, and storage potential, injection rates and costs of CO 2 storage, assessed in eight scenarios. A spatial explicit analysis is done to make improved estimates on the storage potential, injection rates, and costs for CO 2 storage in the Rio Bonito saline aquifer of the Paraná basin. Although there are large differences in storage potential (12–117 Gt CO 2) and costs (on average 5–15 $/t CO 2), the accumulated volume of CO 2 stored between 2010 and 2050 is 2.9 Gt CO 2 for all scenarios, with injection rates around 240 Mt CO 2 in 2050. This shows that BECCS is a cost-competitive option to decarbonize the Brazilian energy system, even under pessimistic estimates of CO 2 storage potential and costs, and low biomass availability. The cheapest sink locations are selected, in the high development scenario. When CCS development is low, injection rates are the limiting factor. Locations are selected with the highest injection rates, even though sometimes more expensive. When CO 2 storage is limited, total system costs increase, mainly because decarbonization of the industry and freight transport sector relies on more expensive decarbonization options such as green hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large amounts of straw are remained in the sugarcane fields after the crop to be mechanically harvested. Straw is pointed out as a feedstock to attend high bioenergy production demand. However, either indiscriminate straw removal or high amount of straw kept on the field may impair several soil functions and thereafter decreases plant tillering and crop yield. Better nutrients cycling and soil physical protection due to Leguminosae species grown within the sugarcane renewal period may offset implications of straw managements across the crop cycles. Thus, does Crotalaria sp. grow within the sugarcane renewal period can offset the undesirable implications of unsustainable straw management on soil and crop yield? To address this research question, a two-year experiment was carried out in Quirinópolis, Chapadão do Céu, Iracemápolis and Quatá, first two sites are in Goiás state, while the other sites are in São Paulo state, Brazil. Soil and plant parameters under straw retention rates (i.e., 0%, 50% and 100% of straw retention) were assessed. This management was coupled with fallow (F) and Crotalaria sp. (CR) grown within the sugarcane renewal period. Soil parameters evaluated included, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks, while stalk yield was plant parameters assessed. The straw retention implications on soil and plant were site-specific. Carbon and N stocks in the upper 0.4 m soil layer were, respectively, 3.5 and 3.1 time higher at the fine-textured soil than the stocks of those elements at the coarse-textured soil. Regardless of Crotalaria sp. grown, stalk yield increased (ranged from 3 to 16 Mg ha−1) under total straw retention rate for most sites, while in the coolest site 50% and 100% straw retention reduced stalk yield in 13 and 14 Mg ha−1, respectively. In addition, Crotalaria sp. grown within the sugarcane renewal period does not seem able to avoid reduction on soil N availability due to straw retention along the ratoon cycles. Overall, straw removal for bioenergy should be judiciously performed, according to local edaphoclimatic conditions. • Stalk yield was increased due to straw retention in the most sites. • Sugarcane straw retention reduces plant tillering and yield in the coolest site. • Crotalaria sp. promotes the soil nutrient cycling (mainly K and P). • Straw retention increases C sequestrated and stocks. • Crotalaria sp. grown in the sugarcane renewal period increases soil N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is the minimum age for clear-cutting native species with energetic potential in the Brazilian semi-arid region? This was the central question of this study, which aimed at estimating the minimum cutting cycle for native woody species from an area covered by a sustainable forest management plan. Individuals ( n = 240) of 12 species native to the semi-arid region were measured, and wood discs were taken from them to collect data relative to ( i) volume, by an industrial 3D scanner, ( ii) density, using a high-frequency densitometer, ( iii) age, by a growth ring measuring device, and ( iv) the lower heating value, by an oxygen bomb calorimeter and an elemental analyzer. Data were fitted to mathematical models by regression analysis to determine the relationship and significance between the variables analyzed. The estimated minimum age for the harvesting of native woody species was 47 years, determined by the age at which there was stabilization of volume growth curves over time and an increase in density and heating power (wood retraction). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioethanol production from sugarcane represents an opportunity for urban-agricultural development in small communities of Ecuador. Despite the fact that the industry for bioethanol production from sugarcane in Brazil is fully developed, it is still considered expensive as a small rural business. In order to be able to reduce the costs of monitoring the production process, and avoid the application of expensive sensors, the aim of this research was modeling the kinetics of production of bioethanol based on direct measurements of Brix grades, instead of the concentration of alcohol, during the process of cane juice bio-fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This avoids the application of expensive sensors that increase the investment costs. Fermentation experiments with three concentrations of yeast and two temperatures were carried out in a laboratory reactor. In each case Brix grades, amount of ethanol and alcoholic degree were measured. A mathematical model to predict the quality and production of bioethanol was developed from Brix grade measurements, obtaining an adjusted coefficient of determination of 0.97. The model was validated in a pilot plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy securities, increases in fossil fuel prices, and concern about climate change have been major causes of increased bioenergy production. Because biomass production is rural-based and generally labor-intensive, bioenergy development happens mainly in less developed countries. Comprehensive analysis is needed to develop appropriate policies to ensure the sustainability of resource use while promoting economic development. Given this, public policies must promote more efficient inter- and intra-sector water allocation schemes. Economic instruments, such as water pricing and water markets, can be used to avoid transferring negative environmental and economic impacts of meeting global renewable energy targets to production regions. In Brazil, water markets are not allowed, but the law has established raw water charges as a management instrument at the river basin level. However, the majority of bulk water charge systems have been defined exclusively for raising revenue. Integrated economic modeling can be a useful tool to support the design of effective economic instruments. This paper describes the main features of two economic modeling approaches that can support effective water pricing decisions. Three case studies illustrate sugarcane ethanol production river basins in Brazil where water prices have already been established but fail to reflect the real scarcity value of water in the region. In addition, preliminary results of a national-level economic model being built for Brazil show that increasing water charges for the agricultural sector can have significant effects on water demand and agriculture production. The potential benefits of water pricing policy decisions based on economic modeling results are assessed. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• 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]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Per se performance of elephant grass hybrids obtained by partial diallel crossing and also their parents for energy purposes through agronomic traits during rainy and dry seasons. The experiment was conducted at Pesagro experimental station, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil, in randomized blocks, with three repetitions. The crosses were made between contrasting parents in a partial diallel scheme with 5 female parents x 5 male parents. The treatments consisted of ten parents, twenty-five hybrid combinations and the control. Three cuts were realized for evaluations (April and October 2013 and April 2014). The characteristics evaluated were: plant height (ALT), in m; stem diameter (SD), in cm; leaf blade width (LB), in cm; number of tillers per linear meter (NP); dry matter percentage (%DM) and dry matter production (DMP), in t.ha- 1. Variance analysis were performed and the means were grouped according to Scott-Knott test (P <0.05). It was oberved that the hybrid H4 (Cuban Pinda x Taiwan A-144), H7 (Cameroon - Piracicaba x Três Rios), H8 (Cameroon - Piracicaba x Mercker 86-Mexico), H10 (Cameroon - Piracicaba x Roxo), H13 (P241-86-Piracicaba x Mercker 86-Mexico), H17 (IAC Campinas x Três Rios) and H18 (IAC-86- Campinas x Mercker 86-Mexico) presented high biomass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inventorying greenhouse gas (GHG) balance associated to sugarcane ( Saccharum officinarum ) based ethanol is critical to assess the degree of carbon (C) neutrality of biofuels. Few studies have considered the GHG emissions from sugarcane cultivation while taking direct land use change (dLUC) into account. This study was conducted to enhance scientific understanding of the GHG balance related to sugarcane cultivation while considering dynamics of all C pools (biomass and soil) upon conversion of diverse land uses into sugarcane during 2006–2011 in south-central Brazil. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of survey data and given that the sugarcane cultivation and dLUC can be credibly assessed by using remote sensing satellite images, estimations of GHG emissions were performed using the IPCC methodologies and expressed in terms of Tg CO 2 eq (Teragram=10 12 g=1 million Mg) considering a 20-year time horizon. The overall accumulated GHG balance was 217.1 Tg CO 2 eq by 2030, with an emission of 481.6 Tg CO 2 eq from sugarcane cultivation being offset by a biomass C sink of −274.5 Tg CO 2 eq. Soils had an almost neutral C budget with a slight emission of 10.0 Tg CO 2 eq by 2030. Nevertheless, the ethanol C offset by displacing fossil fuels could readily payback that C deficit and ensures the environmental benefits of sugarcane ethanol. Our results show an increase of C reservoirs (biomass and soil) through conversion of arable and pastoral lands into sugarcane, and a decrease of C reservoirs when citrus, plantation forest and natural forest are converted to sugarcane. Here we support that the impact of dLUC on biomass and soil C pools must be considered while expanding sugarcane plantation as an important mechanism for GHG abatement beyond the avoided emissions through use of sugarcane ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast pyrolysis of naturally produced water hyacinth was assessed through Emergy accounting approach. Two analyses were carried out to evaluate the influence of additional services and externalities on Emergy indicators for a pyrolysis plant unit able to process 1000 kg of dry biomass per hour. The initial approach was a traditional Emergy assessment in which financial fluxes and externalities were not considered. The second approach included taxes and fees of the Brazilian government, interests related to financing operations and assumes a reserve financial fund of 5% of the total investment as externalities cost. For the first evaluation, the renewability of 86% indicates that local and renewable resources mainly support the process and the Emergy Yield Ratio of 3.2 shows that the system has a potential contribution to the regional economy due to the local resources use. The inclusion of financial fluxes and externalities in the second evaluation reduces both renewability and Emergy Yield Ratio, whereas it increases the Emergy Investment Ratio which means a higher dependence on external resources. The second analysis allows portraying significant forces of the industrial and financial systems and the evaluation of the externalities' impact on the general system Emergy behavior. A comparison of the renewability of water hyacinth fast pyrolysis with other biofuels like soybean biodiesel and sugarcane ethanol indicates that the former is less dependent on fossil fuel resources, machinery and fertilizers. To complement the sustainability assessment provided by the Emergy method, a regular financial analysis for the second defined system was done. It shows that the system is financially attractive even with the accounting of additional costs. The results obtained in this study could be used as the maximum and minimum thresholds to subsidize regulatory policies for new economic activities in tropical wetlands involving natural resources exploitation and bio-industrial systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to quantify the environmentally sustainable and economically feasible potentials of agricultural and agro-industrial residues to generate electricity via direct combustion in centralised power plants in Brazil. Further, the energy savings and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential of replacing natural gas-based electricity by bioenergy have been assessed. To this end, a methodology has been developed based on an integrated evaluation, incorporating statistical and geographical information system (GIS)-based analysis, and a life-cycle-assessment approach. Results reveal that the environmentally sustainable generation potential is nearly 141 TWh/year, mainly concentrated in the South, Southeast, and Midwest regions of the country. Sugarcane, soybean and maize crop residues are the major feedstocks for available bioenergy. On the other hand, the economic potential is far lower, accounting to 39 TWh/year. The total GHG mitigation is nearly 18 million tonne CO 2 e and could reach 64 million tonne CO 2 e yearly, if the technical potential is considered. The gap between technical and economic potentials implies that constraints to bioenergy are not related to a lack of resources, but rather associated to economic, logistical, regulatory and political barriers. [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]

Historical data of land use change (LUC) indicated that the sugarcane expansion has mainly displaced pasture areas in Central–Southern Brazil, globally the largest producer, and that those pastures were prior established over native forests in the Cerrado biome. We sampled 3 chronosequences of land use comprising native vegetation (NV), pasture (PA), and sugarcane crop (SC) in the sugarcane expansion region to assess the effects of LUC on soil carbon, nitrogen, and labile phosphorus pools. Thirty years after conversion of NV to PA, we found significant losses of original soil organic matter (SOM) from NV, while insufficient new organic matter was introduced from tropical grasses into soil to offset the losses, reflecting in a net C emission of 0.4 Mg ha − 1 yr − 1 . These findings added to decreases in 15 N signal indicated that labile portions of SOM are preserved under PA. Afterwards, in the firsts five years after LUC from PA to SC, sparse variations were found in SOM levels. After more than 20 years of sugarcane crop, however, there were losses of 40 and 35% of C and N stocks, respectively, resulting in a rate of C emission of 1.3 Mg ha − 1 yr − 1 totally caused by the respiration of SOM from C4-cycle plants. In addition, conversion of pastures to sugarcane mostly increased 15 N signal, indicating an accumulation of more recalcitrant SOM under sugarcane. The microbe- and plant-available P showed site-specific responses to LUC as a function of different P-input managements, with the biological pool mostly accounting for more than 50% of the labile P in both anthropic land uses. With the projections of 6.4 Mha of land required by 2021 for sugarcane expansion in Brazil to achieve ethanol's demand, this explanatory approach to the responses of SOM to LUC will contribute for an accurate assessment of the CO 2 balance of sugarcane ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy has been encouraged to address climate change and promote sustainable development, leading to structural changes in the national energy matrices. Brazil is reaching a 50/50 renewable/non-renewable energy mix. However, the wide variability in emissions intensity among renewable sources raises questions about the effectiveness of structural changes for SDGs. The present study aims to identify typological profiles (TPs) of structural changes in sectoral energy and carbon footprint and their contributions to sustainable development. From an ecological input-output model, we calculated the sectoral energy and carbon footprint for 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015. The method adds novelty by creating typologies of structural changes confronting renewable vs. non-renewable and mainly renewable vs. renewable. Four TPs of structural change were found. TP-I and TP-II tended to increase the relative share of renewables in their energy footprint, opposing TP-III and TP-IV. A controversy emerged contrasting TP-I and TP-II since both increased renewable consumption. TP-I decreased the renewable emissions while TP-II increased them. The explanation lies in the energy sources' emissions intensity. While TP-I sectors tended to increase the consumption of renewable energies with low intensity of emissions, such as electricity, TP-II sectors increased the consumption of renewables whose gross emissions intensity could be even higher than non-renewables. Therefore, the simple substitution of non-renewable for renewable sources may not be enough. Pursuing the long-term sustainable structural changes need to be planned based on renewable sources with the lowest net emission intensity and highest renewability. [Display omitted] • Replacing non-renewables with renewables may not be enough to achieve the SDGs. • Typological profiles (TPs) of structural changes may indicate the most effective strategies. • Effective pro-SDGs strategies move sectors from TP-IV, TP-III, and TP-II to TP-I. • Renewables with the lowest net emissions intensity and highest renewability are preferable. • Being renewable is not enough when the emission intensity is higher than non-renewables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world has been searching for clean and renewable alternatives to provide new materials and energy and, consequently reducing the dependence on petroleum fossil fuels. Sugarcane has become an important raw material as a solution for this demand since it is grown in more than 100 countries and can potentially reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this context, the production of biomaterials and biofuels and their effective use are promising ways to reach these goals. Brazilian government policies have created the optimal scenario to consolidate the first sugarcane 1G biorefinery with biofuels, sugar and bioelectricity production, trying to reach sustainable and low-cost solutions. After the establishment of the 1G technology, the 2G and 3G technologies are being developed, bringing new possibilities for value-added biochemicals production, in integrated systems with minimized emissions with a non-waste vison and circular bioeconomy. This review presents the current status and future perspectives of sugarcane as a potential biofactory. The present and future of Brazilian sugarcane biorefinery are discussed in terms of the exploitation of sugarcane, research and innovation with the integrated production of sugar, biofuels, bioelectricity, biopolymers, organic acids, enzymes and other biomolecules, as well as the use of process-generated liquid and solid by-products and/or wastes. [Display omitted] • Sugarcane Brazilian biofactories' future and perspectives. • Biorefinery concept as a sustainable tool for sugarcane circular bioeconomy. • Brazilian governmental incentives to help sugarcane biofuels competition with fossil fuels. • Re-use of liquid and solid sugarcane wastes for high value bioproducts production. • Raising number of innovative and development of new sugarcane chain processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land-use change (LUC) accounted for approximately 66% of CO 2 emissions in Brazil in 2020, with significant implications for carbon footprint of Brazilian agricultural products. Accurate LUC estimates associated with agriculture are critical to carbon footprint (CF) and life cycle assessment (LCA) studies and derived measures towards low-carbon supply chains. The aim of the study was to provide direct LUC (dLUC) estimates of CO 2 emissions associated with a comprehensive set of agricultural products in Brazil at municipal-level and based on spatially-explicit land conversion data, appropriate for CF and LCA studies. The effect of different dLUC modeling choices on the results are also presented. The modeling followed IPCC guidelines and improved the BRLUC method. MapBiomas spatially-explicit data, municipality-level statistics, regionalized carbon stocks and a shared responsibility approach were combined to obtain dLUC emission rates for 64 crops, plus forestry and planted pastures, in the 5,570 Brazilian municipalities, as well as at state and national levels. It will be open access at www.embrapa.br. The most recent version led to an estimated 911 Mtons of CO 2 associated with agriculture in 2019, 81% of that associated with planted pastures. National level dLUC emission rates for corn, pastures, soybean and sugarcane were estimated as 2.0, 4.1, 2.3 and 0.3 tCO 2.ha−1.yr−1, respectively. The dLUC emissions are highly heterogeneous across the country and land uses, ranging from positive to negative. In general, they were higher in the Amazon biome, due to deforestation, and lower in Eastern Brazil, where agricultural areas are more consolidated. The resulting data is more consistent with dLUC rationale, IPCC guidelines and PAS2050 when previous land use is known and is recommended to be used, whenever data at farm level are not available. The study also shows the strong effect of different dLUC modeling choices on results and reinforces recommendations for further mitigation options. • dLUC emissions are estimated for 66 products in 5,570 municipalities. • 911 Mtons of CO 2 emitted in 2019, 81% of that associated with planted pastures. • Emission for pastures, soybean and sugarcane are 4.1, 2.3 and 0.3 tCO 2.ha−1.yr−1. • Emissions are higher in the Amazon biome and lower in Eastern Brazil. • Modeling choices have a strong effect on dLUC results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]