Achieving Sustainable Biodiesel Production in Brazil: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract – Julio Minelli

Director of Aprobio – Brazilian Biodiesel Producers Association

julio.minelli@aprobio.com.br

Achieving sustainable biodiesel production in Brazil: challenges and opportunities

Governments are searching for renewable energy alternatives to diminish the dependence on fossil fuel, with different commitment levels. They are fostering the use of renewable energy, but this transition has many challenges. Biofuels appears as an alternative energy resource but has, by definition, a limited flow. Moreover, it is important to have positive outcomes in Social, Economic and Ecological aspects. The impacts to the society may be managed by the right regulatory framework and assessed by indicators as employment, prices, ecological benefits, etc.

The Biodiesel production in Brazil generates employment, midland economic growth, social inclusion of more than 80 thousand families, costs comparable to imported diesel. The main raw materials used today are soybean oil and tallow. The use of biodiesel also reduces GHG emissions and pollutants, as SOx, CO, particulate matter and hydrocarbons.

The food & fuel debate is a gut issue, normally addressed as an incompatible matter. APROBIO would see it as synergistic solution as most oilseed crops produce feed at the same time. In this sense, increasing oilseed crops increases the feed production, important nutrition element for animal protein. The limiting factor for food, feed and bioenergy production may be the land availability. The policies and efforts should seek the best resource allocation and efficiency.

Challenges and opportunities:

To increase the public awareness that bioenergy has benefits in the mid long term, to obtain a consensus on sustainability evaluation schemes, to increase the oil availability with competitive costs and endorsement to run diesel motors on B100 or at least B20.

The average income in the developing countries is rising and so is the demand for animal protein, therefore more feed demand. Excess of vegetal oil are expected to happen, and this surplus may be directed to biofuels with higher mandatory blending.