Biomethane, a renewable fuel derived from organic waste, offers significant potential for Brazil to diversify its energy matrix while providing economic, social, and environmental benefits. By leveraging agricultural waste and animal manure as resources, biomethane production can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support rural development, and improve energy security.
In 2022, Brazil reached a record in the generation of electricity from renewable sources. Hydroelectric, wind, solar and biomass plants were responsible for 92% of the electricity produced in the country. In addition to being clean and inexhaustible, renewable sources are also more sustainable and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The transition to renewable energy is essential for decarbonization and reducing social impacts.
In 2022, even with increased energy demand in some countries, emissions from the energy sector are expected to decrease. The data is from the International Energy Agency (IEA) Electricity Market report, which points to a drop in overall global electricity demand of 2.4%. Thus, the values should pull emissions from the energy sector down, pointing to a decline of 0.5%.
Biogas in Brazil is an energy source that has enormous potential, but not yet explored. It is possible to obtain the gas from several sources, such as biomass, organic solid waste from sanitary landfills and animal waste. According to the Energy Research Company (EPE), currently the main source of biogas production is landfills, with 51%, followed by the beverage and food industries with 25% and swine farming with 14%.
To encourage the production of biogas and biomethane in Brazil, the government launched measures for the sector. The actions are in line with the commitments made by the country at the 26th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP26) to decarbonize the energy matrix. Currently, Brazil uses only 2% of what it could produce from these fuels. In other words, there is a huge space for development in the area, however, investments and legislation are essential for this growth.