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.
As there is no exclusive regulation for biogas and biomethane, historically, the Brazilian regulations that govern these markets have more connection with other fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel than with natural gas. This occurred because the laws that dealt with gas dealt only with natural gas of fossil origin, excluding other sources.
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%.