In a global scenario increasingly pressured by decarbonization goals and the effects of climate change, Brazil recorded a remarkable advance in its transportation matrix in 2024. According to a study released by the Knowledge and Innovation Observatory in Bioeconomy at Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), the use of bioenergy avoided the emission of 64.4 million tons of CO₂ equivalent last year.
The annual report, which monitors emissions from the light and heavy fuel sectors in the country, points out that the prominence of biofuels — especially ethanol and biodiesel — was crucial in reducing the carbon intensity of the national energy matrix. Even with the growth in fuel consumption, the strategy of partially replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources has shown expressive results and positions Brazil as a global reference in the smart use of bioenergy.
Emissions drop, even with higher consumption
The most emblematic data from the FGV report is the 0.7% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the light fuels matrix. In 2024, these emissions totaled 111.1 million tons of CO₂ equivalent — a decline that occurred despite a 3.6% increase in the total consumption of light fuels, such as gasoline and ethanol, in the country.
This positive contrast is explained by the greater share of biofuels in total consumption, which reduced the average “carbon footprint” of vehicles operating under the Otto cycle. The result reinforces that public policies, incentives, and technological advancement in the sugar-energy sector are converging toward consistent environmental gains.
Ethanol gains strength and accounts for 41.1% of light fleet consumption
Ethanol was the main driver of decarbonization progress in the light transport sector. In 2024, the biofuel accounted for 41.1% of all energy consumption by the Otto cycle fleet (mostly made up of light vehicles such as cars and motorcycles). This is the highest percentage recorded in the past decade.
The explanation lies in increased supply and the competitiveness of ethanol compared to gasoline. Brazil produced 36.83 billion liters of ethanol in 2024, a 4.4% increase over the previous year. Of this total, 7.7 billion liters were derived from corn — an impressive growth of 32.8%, according to the National Corn Ethanol Union (UNEM). This development strengthens the diversification of the production base and reduces seasonal pressure from sugarcane on the market.
Furthermore, hydrated ethanol remained more competitive in several regions of the country throughout the year, encouraging its adoption by consumers who prioritize cheaper and more sustainable fuels.
Lowest carbon intensity in history
Brazil’s light fuels matrix emitted, on average, 62.6 grams of CO₂ equivalent per megajoule (gCO₂eq/MJ) in 2024. This index represents a 4.2% improvement compared to 2023 — the best result ever recorded in FGV’s monitoring.
States with a strong tradition of ethanol use stood out. Mato Grosso recorded the lowest carbon intensity in the country, at 48.2 gCO₂eq/MJ. Goiás (53.6) and São Paulo (53.9) completed the top of the list, highlighting the positive impact of state-level policies aimed at low-emission mobility.
At the other end, states with lower ethanol penetration in their fleets — such as Roraima and Amapá — showed carbon intensity levels above 85 gCO₂eq/MJ, showing there is still room for regional improvement.
Biodiesel drives decarbonization in the heavy fleet
In freight and passenger transport — which heavily depends on diesel — biodiesel also played a key role in emissions reduction. In 2024, the carbon intensity of the heavy fuel matrix dropped to 77.9 gCO₂eq/MJ, a 1.8% improvement over 2023.
This was due to the increase in the mandatory biodiesel blend in fossil diesel, which rose to 14% (B14) in March 2024, as determined by the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE). This higher blend boosted demand and led to avoided emissions reaching 20.4 million tons of CO₂ equivalent — a 22.6% increase over the previous year.
With 59 plants in operation and growing production capacity, Brazil has consolidated its position as the world’s third-largest biodiesel producer, behind only the United States and Germany. National production exceeded 9 billion liters — a jump from the 7.5 billion liters recorded in 2023, according to the Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries (Abiove).
Brazil strengthens its leadership in the bioeconomy
The performance of the biofuels sector in 2024 not only contributed to carbon emission mitigation, but also reinforced Brazil’s strategic role in the global bioeconomy. The country has one of the most advanced systems for the production, distribution, and consumption of biofuels, with a highlight on logistics integration and ethanol and biodiesel distribution infrastructure.
Initiatives such as RenovaBio — a national policy for biofuels that establishes decarbonization targets for fuel distributors — continue to encourage investment in the sector and enhance the competitiveness of Brazilian bioenergy.
The number of Efficient Production Certificates (CBIOs) issued in 2024 was also significant. More than 45 million CBIOs were registered during the year, according to ANP data, representing tradable carbon credits that reward sustainable practices and attract international investors.
Challenges and prospects
Despite the progress, the FGV study emphasizes that bioenergy expansion still faces structural challenges. Gasoline price fluctuations, limited electric charging infrastructure for hybrid vehicles, and the need for better communication with consumers are key issues.
However, prospects remain optimistic. Projections from the Energy Research Company (EPE) indicate that, by 2030, the share of biofuels in Brazil’s transport matrix could exceed 45%, considering sustainable scenarios and consistent incentives.
A low-carbon future, more Brazil
The year 2024 marks a watershed in the journey toward transport decarbonization in Brazil. The strength of the FGV study’s data proves that bioenergy is not just an alternative, but a viable, efficient, and scalable solution.
The combination of innovation, well-designed public policies, and engagement from the productive sector is transforming the national energy matrix — and, in doing so, projecting Brazil as a global leader in the transition to a low-carbon future.
