The reuse of agricultural by-products not only generates energy but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. This circularity is a competitive advantage that drives the agricultural sector to adopt clean and innovative energy solutions.
Brazil is emerging as one of the major players in the production of biogas and biomethane, clean and renewable energy sources that are revolutionizing agribusiness. Over the past 20 years, the country has built 936 biogas plants, with 885 operating in 2022, according to data from CIBiogás. This number places Brazil in fifth place globally, behind only powerhouses such as Germany, the United States, Italy, and France. Although the country is still in the early stages compared to these nations’ biogas production history, Brazil is growing rapidly, driven by its vast agricultural potential.
Biogas is a gaseous mixture resulting from the anaerobic decomposition of organic materials such as crop residues, manure, and food waste. It mainly consists of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and can be used for generating electrical and thermal energy. Biomethane, on the other hand, is derived from biogas after a purification process that removes carbon dioxide, transforming it into a high-quality gas comparable to fossil natural gas. This biofuel can be used in both industry and transportation, representing a sustainable and economically viable alternative.
Brazil has a significant comparative advantage in biogas production due to its strong agricultural and livestock production. The Brazilian agricultural sector is responsible for a massive amount of organic waste that can be harnessed to generate energy. Manure, crop residues such as corn and sugarcane, and agro-industrial waste are abundant sources of raw material for biogas production.
Studies by CIBiogás indicate that Brazil has the potential to produce up to 82 billion cubic meters of biogas per year. This represents about 70% of the country’s current electricity demand, highlighting the relevance of this energy source to the national energy matrix. The growth of this sector would not only provide greater energy security but also strengthen the environmental sustainability of agribusiness.
One of the greatest benefits of using biogas and biomethane is their ability to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. When organic waste is improperly disposed of, its decomposition releases large amounts of methane into the atmosphere, a gas with 25 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. By capturing and using this methane as biogas, its release is prevented, contributing significantly to mitigating climate change.
Additionally, using biomethane as a replacement for natural gas or fossil fuels like diesel can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 95%, making it an effective solution for decarbonizing energy-intensive sectors such as transportation and industry.
Biogas can also be integrated into the concept of a circular economy, promoting a sustainable cycle within agribusiness. The anaerobic digestion process that generates biogas also produces a by-product called digestate, which can be used as organic fertilizer. This closes the waste cycle within the farm, adding value to what was previously discarded and reducing dependence on external chemical inputs.
The expansion of biogas in Brazil has been encouraged by public policies aimed at the development of renewable energies, such as the RenovaBio program, which seeks to increase the participation of biofuels in Brazil’s energy matrix. As a result, rural producers and companies have found a more favorable environment for investing in biogas and biomethane production. Additionally, the government has supported the development of the infrastructure necessary for transporting and marketing biomethane, promoting its use in vehicle fleets and industries.
Eva Energia is a company that generates renewable energy from biogas, using swine farming and landfills as primary sources of raw material. The company operates three plants in Brazil, located in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Mato Grosso, with a combined installed capacity of 20 MW. The biogas produced by Eva Energia is used to generate clean electricity, in line with the principles of a circular economy, helping to mitigate methane emissions, one of the most potent greenhouse gases.
One of Eva’s most successful projects is the partnership with Fazenda Mano Júlio in Mato Grosso, where biodigesters were installed to turn pig waste into biogas. This energy is used both to power the farm’s operations and to be injected into the electricity grid. This model of energy self-sufficiency has already reduced methane emissions by about 25,000 to 30,000 tons per year, as well as reduced the use of chemical fertilizers on the farm’s crops by 15%.
In addition to farms, Eva Energia also serves corporate clients with high demand for renewable energy, such as supermarket chains and industries, offering a product aligned with ESG practices. With the aim of continued expansion, the company is already planning new projects, including more biogas plants in Rio de Janeiro and partnerships with the corn ethanol sector to further explore Brazil’s biogas potential.
Despite advances, the sector still faces significant challenges. One of the main obstacles is the initial cost of setting up biogas plants, which can be high, especially for small and medium-sized rural producers. Additionally, there is a need for more distribution infrastructure for biomethane, as it often needs to be transported to consumer centers far from production areas.
The role of the government and private investors will be crucial to overcoming these obstacles and promoting the expansion of biogas and biomethane in Brazil. It is estimated that, with proper investments, biogas production in Brazil could reach 11 billion cubic meters by 2030, contributing to diversifying the country’s energy matrix and reducing its dependence on fossil sources.
Brazil is uniquely positioned to become a global powerhouse in biogas and biomethane production. With vast reserves of biomass available in the agricultural sector and a growing renewable energy market, the country has all the conditions to lead the development of this technology. The growth potential is immense, both in the domestic market and in exports, as biomethane can also be used in countries looking to reduce their carbon emissions.
It is estimated that by 2040, biomethane could meet up to 50% of the national demand for natural gas, positioning Brazil among the top global producers. Additionally, expanding biogas use in small and medium-sized rural properties could democratize access to clean and renewable energy, driving sustainable development in rural areas.
Biogas and biomethane are two of the main energy solutions for the future of Brazilian agribusiness. In addition to contributing to energy security and environmental sustainability, these technologies promote the development of a circular economy, adding value to organic waste. With the support of public policies, investments, and the awareness of rural producers, Brazil can establish itself as one of the world’s largest biogas producers, playing a strategic role in the global energy transition.
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