Brazilian agribusiness positions itself at the forefront of the energy transition with SAF and biobunker.
The Brazilian agribusiness sector is taking a leading role in the global energy transition, exploring new business opportunities through the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and biobunker. Faced with the limitations of electrification in sectors like aviation and maritime transport, the demand for fuels from renewable sources boosts Brazil’s potential, built upon its established experience in biofuel production and vast availability of agricultural raw materials.
Recently, the fourth edition of the event “Agroenergia – Sustainable Energy Transition,” held in Brasília, brought together key stakeholders from the productive sector, government, and academia. Organized by the Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil (CNA), with the support of Embrapa Agroenergia, the meeting focused on developing national production of these clean fuels, a scenario strengthened by the recent approval of the Future Fuel Law. This legislation establishes a crucial regulatory framework for expanding the use and production of renewable energy in the country, signaling a promising future for agribusiness in this growing market.
Agriculture as a Protagonist in the New Green Economy
The growing global demand for sustainable fuels opens a range of opportunities for national agribusiness. Beyond supplying raw materials, the expansion of this sector promises to stimulate investments across the entire production chain, encompassing everything from industrial processing and logistics to infrastructure and innovation. The CNA advocates for a strategy that prioritizes the industrialization of biofuels in Brazil, aiming to add value to agricultural production, create skilled jobs, and boost the economy.
Marcelo Bertoni, vice-president of the CNA, highlighted during the event the importance of Brazilian agribusiness for the viability of the global energy transition:
The global energy transition will not happen without Brazilian agribusiness.
He emphasized that the country has a solid foundation, built with investments in research, technology, and increased productivity. The current challenge is to capitalize on this advantage, transforming it into robust industrial production and retaining a larger share of the investments and income generated by this expanding market.
Brazil Leading in Bioenergy Production
Brazil’s competitiveness in the SAF and biobunker market is enhanced by its accumulated experience with ethanol, biodiesel, biogas, and biomethane. The diversity of agricultural crops and the availability of biomass offer efficient and economically viable routes for producing these fuels. Agricultural research, with knowledge generated by institutions like Embrapa, plays a fundamental role in developing new technologies, optimizing biomass use, and improving production efficiency.
Regulation, particularly through the Future Fuel Law, is seen as a decisive factor for the sector’s sustained growth. Defining certification criteria, traceability systems, and harmonization with international standards are essential to ensure the competitiveness of Brazilian fuels in the global market. The expectation is that clear regulation and legal certainty will attract investments, drive the establishment of new industrial plants, and consolidate Brazil as a global player in renewable energies.
