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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Potential feedstock for renewable aviation fuel in Brazil

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Author(s):
Cantarella, Heitor [1] ; Nassar, Andre Meloni [2] ; Barbosa Cortez, Luis Augusto [3] ; Baldassin Junior, Ricardo [3]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Soils & Environm Resources Ctr, Agronom Inst Campinas, BR-13001970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Minist Agr Livestock & Food Supply, Secretary Agr Policy, BR-70043900 Brasilia, DF - Brazil
[3] Univ Estadual Campinas, Sch Agr Engn, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT; v. 15, p. 52-63, JUL 2015.
Web of Science Citations: 7
Abstract

The aviation industry worldwide is committed to reduce CO2 emissions. The present goal is towards Carbon Neutral Growth (CNG) by 2020 and 50% reduction in net CO2 emissions over 2005 levels by 2050. There are not easy alternatives to liquid fuels for airplanes; therefore, biofuels are necessarily part of the solution. However, the specifications for jet biofuel rule out ethanol and biodiesel, the most common biofuels in the market. There are several routes for the production of aviation biofuel allowing the use of a wide range of biomasses. The conversion and refining technology pathways will be determinant for the choice of feedstock. At present, most jet bioluel tested in airplanes are derived from oils, but not taking into account conversion technologies, the best options to start an aviation biofuel industry in Brazil are sugarcane, eucalyptus, and soybean, of the sugar, cellulose, and oil crop groups. The main reasons are the established production chains, high yields, competitive prices, and possibility of greenhouse gases abatement. Other crops may be feasible options depending on specific regional conditions, further agronomic improvements, and cost reduction. Taking as reference the energy content of ethanol, around 30 Mha of land would be necessary to supply sugarcane to meet 50% of the present global consumption of jet fuel. This is less than the 64 Mha of land suitable for sugarcane in Brazil, mostly replacing pasture and without using environmentally sensitive areas. This area may be less as biomass yields increase and the energy of other plant parts is more efficiently used. The opportunity costs of final products derived from the biomass feedstock may place the price of the energy of jet bioluel above that of the fossil jet fuel. Appropriate public policies and tax treatment may be necessary to stimulate an emerging aviation bioluel industry. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/50009-1 - Technological roadmap for sustainable biofuels for aviation: the opportunities for Brazil
Grantee:Luis Augusto Barbosa Cortez
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Partnership for Technological Innovation - PITE