Biofuel and Renewable Energy

• Grant number: 25/03677-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2030
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Amanda Duarte Gondim
• Grantee: Amanda Duarte Gondim
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Terra (CCET). Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN). Natal , SP, Brazil
• Pesquisadores principais: Antonio Souza de Araujo ; Carlos Alberto Martinez Huitle ; Dulce Maria de Araújo Melo ; Julio Cezar de Oliveira Freitas ; Kássio Michell Gomes de Lima ; Livia Nunes Cavalcanti ; Luciene Santos de Carvalho ; Tiago Pinheiro Braga ; Valter José Fernandes Junior
• Associated researchers: Anderson dos Reis Albuquerque ; Pollyana Souza Castro ; Renata Mendonça Araujo

Abstract

The ANP Human Resources Program 37.1 (PRH-37.1), conducted by the Institute of Chemistry at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), aims to train highly qualified professionals to work in research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) in biofuels and renewable energies. The biofuels sector is crucial for Brazil and, particularly, for Rio Grande do Norte, which has a diversified energy potential suitable for the production of sustainable fuels. The recent approval of the Fuel of the Future Act (Law 14.993/2024) and the strengthening of the National Hydrogen Program (PNH2) demonstrate the country's commitment to energy transition and reinforce the need for technical and scientific training in this sector.PRH-37.1 plays a central role at UFRN and the Institute of Chemistry, directly benefiting undergraduate programs in Petroleum Chemistry and Bachelor's in Chemistry, as well as postgraduate programs in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. The project aligns with the educational goals of undergraduate and graduate students, promoting an interdisciplinary approach focused on research and the development of technological solutions for the production, certification, and use of advanced biofuels, such as green diesel (HVO), sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), e-methanol, second-generation ethanol, and biogas.The infrastructure of PRH-37.1 is a key factor in training professionals and developing strategic research. The project includes state-of-the-art laboratories such as the Laboratory of Environmental Analysis, Primary Processing, and Biofuels (LABPROBIO/NUPRRAR), the Analytical Center of the Institute of Chemistry, the Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Electrochemistry (LEAA), the Central Laboratory of Fuels and Lubricants, and the Laboratory of Catalysis and Petrochemistry (LCP-UFRN). These laboratories provide technical and scientific support for activities including biofuel characterization and certification, the development of new catalysts, biomass conversion, and environmental monitoring, fostering the integration of bioenergy with other renewable technologies such as green hydrogen and synthetic fuels (e-fuels).PRH-37.1 also facilitates the integration of scholarship holders into R&D&I projects funded through the ANP's R&D&I clause, as well as academic exchange opportunities through collaborations with national and international universities, with funding via CAPES and CNPq. Moreover, the program enables collaboration with energy sector companies, allowing students to engage in strategic projects for the development of advanced biofuels and decarbonization technologies.Thus, PRH-37.1 strengthens UFRN and the Institute of Chemistry as references in training professionals for the biofuels and renewable energy sectors, establishing Rio Grande do Norte as an innovation hub for energy transition. The program drives the sustainability of Brazil's energy matrix, ensuring high-quality technical training and contributing to Brazil's advancement as a global leader in sustainable fuel production. (AU)