The potential of biomethane as a solution to the global energy crisis and Brazil’s leadership.
A promising discovery in the quest for clean energy could redefine the future of global energy supply. An innovative fuel, generated from organic waste such as municipal solid waste, sewage, and animal manure, demonstrates colossal potential to drive the global energy transition.
Estimates indicate that biomethane could supply approximately 25% of the global demand for natural gas, a volume equivalent to an impressive one trillion cubic meters annually.
This finding, detailed in the study “Waste to Wheels: turning organic waste into renewable fuel for transport,” funded by MBCBrasil, is not merely a theoretical projection. It reflects a landscape of investments and concrete goals already established by major economies.
The European Union aims to reach 35 billion cubic meters of biomethane production by 2030, while the United States of America has hundreds of renewable natural gas projects. In India, over 7.7 million vehicles already operate on gas.
Brazil: An Opportunity for Leadership in Technology
The study highlights biomethane’s maturity and viability as a solution with systemic benefits for various countries. In this scenario, Brazil stands out with the opportunity to lead in providing technology, engineering, and integrated solutions.
Gláucia Mendes Souza, a professor at USP and leader of the IEA Bioenergy Task, stated:
The fuel is a mature, viable solution with systemic benefits for various countries. Within this global scenario, Brazil stands out for its scale, but the country’s great opportunity is not just to produce the fuel, but rather to lead the supply of technology, equipment, engineering, and integrated solutions developed here for other markets seeking to decarbonize.
The research also involved the collaboration of Luís Augusto H. Nogueira (UNIFEI), Heitor Cantarella (IAC), and Clayton Barcelos Zabeu (Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia).
The Potential of Brazil’s Production Chain
The growing international interest in biomethane represents a unique opportunity for the country, which possesses an abundance of raw materials. The sugarcane industry alone has an estimated potential of 41.4 billion cubic meters annually, with only 2% currently being utilized.
Brazil possesses a robust industrial base with expertise in manufacturing high-efficiency biodigesters, gas purification systems, and transport logistics, positioning it as a strategic player in the clean energy market.
Impact on Mobility and the Environment
The advancement in biomethane adoption could lead to a reduction of up to 75% in CO₂ emissions within the production chain, mitigating the greenhouse effect and climate change. In the transport sector, the study indicates notable improvements.
In Brazil, the cost per kilometer traveled using biomethane can be up to 30% more advantageous compared to diesel and LNG.
The material concludes:
The study makes it clear that biomethane is not a future gamble or experimental venture, but a ready reality on a global scale. By demonstrating the viability of this fuel across different continents, the material helps unlock investments and public policies worldwide. For Brazil, the global progress on this agenda solidifies our position not only as a major supplier of clean energy but also as an exporter of technology and innovation for the energy transition.
