Renewable Energy Potential and CO2 Performance of Main Biomasses Used in Brazil

Abstract

This review investigates the effects of the Brazilian agriculture production and forestry sector on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Residual biomasses produced mainly in the agro-industrial and forestry sector as well as fast-growing plants were studied. Possibilities to minimize source-related emissions by sequestering part of carbon in soil and by producing biomass as a substitute for fossil fuel were extensively investigated. The lack of consistency among literature reports on residual biomass makes it difficult to compare CO2 emission reductions between studies and sectors. Data on chemical composition, heating value, proximate and ultimate analysis of the biomasses were collected. Then, the carbon sequestration potential of the biomasses as well as their usability in renewable energy practices were studied. Over 779.6 million tons of agricultural residues were generated in Brazil between 2021 and 2022. This implies a 12.1 million PJ energy potential, while 4.95 million tons of forestry residues was generated in 2019. An estimated carbon content of 276 Tg from these residues could lead to the production of approximately 1014.2 Tg of CO2. Brazilian biomasses, with a particular focus on agro-forest waste, can contribute to the development of sustainable alternative energy sources. Moreover, agro-waste can provide carbon credits for sustainable Brazilian agricultural development.

Biofuels and hydrogen production: back to the Langmuir–Blodgett approach for large-scale structuration of Bi-based photoelectrodes

“…Several recent reviews have demonstrated Brazil's high potential for producing biofuels, mainly for transportation applications (cars, trucks, and aircraft). 5,8,9,25–30 These biofuels are obtained through different processes depending on the nature of the biomass used as the primary reactive compound. Biomass can be accurately divided into several categories, as summarized in Fig.…”

“…Upon closer examination of the Brazilian case, it becomes evident that only the first and second generations have been explored and implemented for biofuel production, albeit with significant disparities. 8,28,29 However, with the latter approach, sufficient biofuel production can be envisaged. Brazilian biodiesel production is currently around 7.1 billion liters, whereas biodiesel consumption is forecasted at 7.15 billion liters.…”

Drivers and Barriers in the Production and Utilization of Second-Generation Bioethanol in India

“…The major portion of the agricultural residues solely from the Asian countries rely on the intensive agricultural practices throughout the different regions. Besides India and China, Brazil is the leading producer of sugarcane in the world, which generates around 780 million metric tons of bagasse and pith [57]. The yearly generation of agricultural waste in the US, particularly from corn stover and wheat straw, amounts to 215 million metric tons, whereas a majority of Europe produces more than 150 million metric tons of various agricultural wastes [58].…”

Caffeine Extraction from Spent Coffee Grounds by Solid-liquid and Ultrasound-assisted Extraction: Kinetic and Thermodynamic Study

“…Coffee consumption as a beverage started a long time ago and until the present day, coffee consumption culture is growing, where it's consumed by millions of people on a daily basis [1]. The main ingredient to produce coffee drinks is green coffee beans, where these beans are harvested and treated in a long treatment path up to the point where they can be utilized for the making of coffee beverages [2], The long path of treatment for green coffee beans, and the process of preparing coffee beverages in houses and cafes, produces and wide range of by-products such as husks pulp sliver skin, and spent coffee ground [3].…”