The many helpful comments and suggestions we received substantially improved the manuscript. Any ... more The many helpful comments and suggestions we received substantially improved the manuscript. Any remaining errors and omissions are, of course, the responsibility of the editors. Not least, we would like to thank those at WRI who were generous with their time and input as this report progressed.
Stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations at a safe level is a paradigm th... more Stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations at a safe level is a paradigm that the scientific and policy communities have widely adopted for addressing the problem of climate change. However, aiming to stabilize concentrations at a single target level might not be a robust strategy, given that the environment is extremely uncertain. The static stabilization paradigm is based primarily on two assumptions: (i), that a safe level of GHG concentrations exists and can be sustained, and (ii) that such a level can be determined ex ante.
New and renewable sources of energy have been considered as an alternative to conventional source... more New and renewable sources of energy have been considered as an alternative to conventional sources for thirty years and during the last ten years their potential contribution to global pollution abatement has been widely acknowledged. Nevertheless, their participation in the world primary energy matrix is still quite modest (less than 2%). Today, several barriers inhibit the enhanced utilization of new and renewable energy sources, such as economic and financial, institutional and legislative, environmental as well as socio-political barriers. In order to overcome this large variety of barriers, it is necessary to create a portfolio of policies to foster the use of new and renewable energy sources. This article presents several categories of policies providing examples of adopted and planned policy tools and actions to promote alternative sources of energy.
Carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere (CDR)-also known as 'negative emissions'-features prom... more Carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere (CDR)-also known as 'negative emissions'-features prominently in most 2°C scenarios and has been under increased scrutiny by scientists, citizens, and policymakers. Critics argue that 'negative emission technologies' (NETs) are insufficiently mature to rely on them for climate stabilization. Some even argue that 2°C is no longer feasible or might have unacceptable social and environmental costs. Nonetheless, the Paris Agreement endorsed an aspirational goal of limiting global warming to even lower levels, arguing that climate impactsespecially for vulnerable nations such as small island states-will be unacceptably severe in a 2°C world. While there are few pathways to 2°C that do not rely on negative emissions, 1.5°C scenarios are barely conceivable without them. Building on previous assessments of NETs, we identify some urgent research needs to provide a more complete picture for reaching ambitious climate targets, and the role that NETs can play in reaching them.
Englund et al (2015 Environ. Res. Lett. 10 044002) have recently analyzed biodiesel production fr... more Englund et al (2015 Environ. Res. Lett. 10 044002) have recently analyzed biodiesel production from oil palm plantations as one possible way to mitigate climate change while providing cost effective results. They show that data for detailed quantification of biological carbon sequestration is available allowing a high confidence evaluation of positive impacts when oil palm plantation for food and biodiesel production is carried out in degraded, cultivated soil, and also with some varieties of natural vegetation in the Amazon. Nevertheless, economic risk associated with the future price of fossil fuels and uncertainties related with carbon subsidy are barriers. Here we discuss the assumptions under which such controversial proposal is based and suggest further analysis for Brazilian decision makers.
Elastic electron scattering cross sections of "Mg were measured over a momentum transfer range fr... more Elastic electron scattering cross sections of "Mg were measured over a momentum transfer range from 0.19 to 2.56 fm ' at both forward and backward angles. Information on all of the ground state multipole moments of both Coulomb and magnetic character has been obtained.
Electricity demand is growing rapidly in Brazil. More efficient use of electricity is cost effect... more Electricity demand is growing rapidly in Brazil. More efficient use of electricity is cost effective, will reduce the need to construct costly new power plants, have positive environmental impacts, and provide other benefits. It is technically and economically feasible to reduce projected electricity consumption in 2000 by 20% through the purchase of more efficient motors, lighting equipment, appliances, etc. Many efficient end-use devices are already produced in Brazil and a national electricity conservation program was begun in 1985. While progress is being made, low electricity prices, lack of information and capital, limited institutional support, and other barriers to implementation still exist.
In 1998 renewable energy sources supplied 56 ± 10 exajoules, or about 14 percent of world primary... more In 1998 renewable energy sources supplied 56 ± 10 exajoules, or about 14 percent of world primary energy consumption. The supply was dominated by traditional biomass (38 ± 10 exajoules a year). Other major contributions came from large hydropower (9 exajoules a year) and from modern biomass (7 exajoules). The contribution of all other renewables-small hydropower, geothermal, wind, solar, and marine energy-was about 2 exajoules. That means that the energy supply from new renewables was about 9 exajoules (about 2 percent of world consumption). The commercial primary energy supply from renewable sources was 27 ± 6 exajoules (nearly 7 percent of world consumption), with 16 ± 6 exajoules from biomass. Renewable energy sources can meet many times the present world energy demand, so their potential is enormous. They can enhance diversity in energy supply markets, secure long-term sustainable energy supplies, and reduce local and global atmospheric emissions. They can also provide commercially attractive options to meet specific needs for energy services (particularly in developing countries and rural areas), create new employment opportunities, and offer possibilities for local manufacturing of equipment. There are many renewable technologies. Although often commercially available, most are still at an early stage of development and not technically mature. They demand continuing research, development, and demonstration efforts. In addition, few renewable energy technologies can compete with conventional fuels on cost, except in some niche markets. But substantial cost reductions can be achieved for most renewables, closing gaps and making them more competitive. That will require further technology development and market deployment-and boosting production capacities to mass production. For the long term and under very favourable conditions, the lowest cost to produce electricity might be $0.
Stabilization at concentrations consistent with keeping global warming below 2ºC above the pre-in... more Stabilization at concentrations consistent with keeping global warming below 2ºC above the pre-industrial level will require drastic cuts in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions during the first half of the century; net negative emissions approaching 2100 are required in the vast majority of current emission scenarios. For negative emissions, the focus has been on bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), where carbon-neutral bioenergy would be combined with additional carbon capture thus yielding emissions lower than zero. Different BECCS technologies are considered around the world and one option that deserves special attention applies CCS to ethanol production. It is currently possible to eliminate 27.7 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2 emissions per year through capture and storage of CO2 released during fermentation, which is part of sugar cane-based ethanol production in Brazil. Thus, BECCS could reduce the country's emissions from energy production by roughly 5%. Such emissions are additional to those due to the substitution of biomass-based electricity for fossil-fueled power plants. This paper assesses the potential and cost effectiveness of negative emissions in the joint production system of ethanol and electricity based on sugar cane, bagasse, and other residues in Brazil. An important benefit is that CO2 can be captured twice along the proposed BECCS supply chain (once during fermentation and once during electricity generation). This study only considers BECCS from fermentation because capturing such CO2 is straightforward, thus potentially representing a cost-effective mitigation option for Brazil compared to other alternatives. The assessment shows that fuel prices would increase by less than 3.5% due to the adoption of BECCS from fermentation, while increasing investors' revenues are sufficient to compensate for the investment required. With appropriate government subsidies, or by sharing BECCS costs between all car fuels and all electricity supplied by hydro and bioelectricity, the increment in ethanol and electricity prices could be less than 1% for the final consumer. Meanwhile it would supply 77.3% of all cars' fuel (private cars) and 17.9% of all electricity in Brazil.
Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 2020
Continuous effort to mitigate climate change relies on new technologies able to satisfy human dem... more Continuous effort to mitigate climate change relies on new technologies able to satisfy human demand for energy services with high energy efficiency and reasonable costs. We show that blending a well-known technology with recently introduced and proven technical advances can mitigate climate change in the road transport sector. Furthermore, the achievement of a reasonable cost target is proved to be true when internal combustion engines (ICE) light duty vehicles (LDVs), powered by gasoline fuel, are replaced by plug-in hybrid LDVs (PHEV), powered by ethanol and electricity produced from sugarcane, using well established technology. The only improvements in such ethanol producing technology are the addition of woody biomass to extend the operation of sugar mills and the capture of carbon dioxide (CO 2) generated during sugar fermentation into ethanol. Both actions are already adopted and well developed. The study quantifies greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 e) emissions and the present value cost for operation of a global fleet of 1 billion LDV over a 60-year period. The PHEV powered by sugar cane products reduces GHGs emissions partly through negative emissions, at a lower cost than gasoline fueled ICE vehicles or electric vehicles. Total potential GHG emission reduction is significant but lower than what is required for the transport sector to fulfill international commitments. Nevertheless, if 1 billion sugarcane-based PHEV hit the streets by the year 2060, 6.18 Gt CO 2 e/year can be avoided while the necessity of land for biomass plantation is kept at a reasonable value (86 Mha).
A survey is made of the state of the art of the production of ethanol from sugar cane and other c... more A survey is made of the state of the art of the production of ethanol from sugar cane and other crops and the problems and constraints involved on its use as an automotive fuel. The improved efficiency of modified internal combustion engines running on pure alcohol is discussed as well as pollution problems. It is shown that these problems are not aggravated by the use of ethanol. The energy balances for the production of ethanol from sugar cane, cassava, sweet sorghum and wood-taking into account agricultural and industrial energy expenses-are compared in Brazil and in the United States. Costs of ethanol from different crops are evaluated and the conclusion reached that in present Brazilian conditions it is US$12.69/GJ when produced from sugar cane. Gasoline cost in Brazil is US$12.19/GJ ex-refinery. Considering that ethanol when used as an octane booster has an efficiency 25% higher than gasoline, the final conclusion is that ethanol has reached the breakeven point as compared wit...
Cost-benefit analyses of pre-salt and biofuels in Brazil. Hubbert model applied to pre-salt oil r... more Cost-benefit analyses of pre-salt and biofuels in Brazil. Hubbert model applied to pre-salt oil reserves. Sustainable energy scenarios. Carbon mitigation accounting based on biofuel scenarios. Enhanced oil recovery effect on pre-salt oil reserves.
Electricity demand is growing rapidly in Brazil. More efficient use of electricity is cost effect... more Electricity demand is growing rapidly in Brazil. More efficient use of electricity is cost effective, will reduce the need to construct costly new power plants, have positive environmental impacts, and provide other benefits. It is technically and economically feasible to reduce projected electricity consumption in 2000 by 20% through the purchase of more efficient motors, lighting equipment, appliances, etc. Many efficient end-use devices are already produced in Brazil and a national electricity conservation program was begun in 1985. While progress is being made, low electricity prices, lack of information and capital, limited institutional support, and other barriers to implementation still exist.
ENERGIA é um ingrediente essencial para a vida na sociedade moderna. A ampliação da infra-estrutu... more ENERGIA é um ingrediente essencial para a vida na sociedade moderna. A ampliação da infra-estrututa energética do Brasil, tanto na sua produção como no consumo exigirá grandes investimentos. Daí a necessidade da presença do Governo no planejamento das atividades energéticas, que são geralmente implementados pela iniciativa privada. Esta presença é essencial para: 1. atender a demanda da sociedade por mais e melhores serviços de energia; 2. estimular a participação de fontes energéticas sustentáveis e duradouras; 3. priorizar o uso eficiente da energia para liberar capital aos setores mais produtivos da economia e preservar o meio ambiente; 4. utilizar o investimento em energia como fonte de geração de empregos e de estímulo à indústria nacional; 5. incorporar à matriz energética insumos importados quando isso resultar em vantagens comerciais e sociais ao país, inclusive através da abertura de exportação de produtos e serviços e, 6. produzir energia de diversas fontes, reduzindo o ri...
The many helpful comments and suggestions we received substantially improved the manuscript. Any ... more The many helpful comments and suggestions we received substantially improved the manuscript. Any remaining errors and omissions are, of course, the responsibility of the editors. Not least, we would like to thank those at WRI who were generous with their time and input as this report progressed.
Stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations at a safe level is a paradigm th... more Stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations at a safe level is a paradigm that the scientific and policy communities have widely adopted for addressing the problem of climate change. However, aiming to stabilize concentrations at a single target level might not be a robust strategy, given that the environment is extremely uncertain. The static stabilization paradigm is based primarily on two assumptions: (i), that a safe level of GHG concentrations exists and can be sustained, and (ii) that such a level can be determined ex ante.
New and renewable sources of energy have been considered as an alternative to conventional source... more New and renewable sources of energy have been considered as an alternative to conventional sources for thirty years and during the last ten years their potential contribution to global pollution abatement has been widely acknowledged. Nevertheless, their participation in the world primary energy matrix is still quite modest (less than 2%). Today, several barriers inhibit the enhanced utilization of new and renewable energy sources, such as economic and financial, institutional and legislative, environmental as well as socio-political barriers. In order to overcome this large variety of barriers, it is necessary to create a portfolio of policies to foster the use of new and renewable energy sources. This article presents several categories of policies providing examples of adopted and planned policy tools and actions to promote alternative sources of energy.
Carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere (CDR)-also known as 'negative emissions'-features prom... more Carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere (CDR)-also known as 'negative emissions'-features prominently in most 2°C scenarios and has been under increased scrutiny by scientists, citizens, and policymakers. Critics argue that 'negative emission technologies' (NETs) are insufficiently mature to rely on them for climate stabilization. Some even argue that 2°C is no longer feasible or might have unacceptable social and environmental costs. Nonetheless, the Paris Agreement endorsed an aspirational goal of limiting global warming to even lower levels, arguing that climate impactsespecially for vulnerable nations such as small island states-will be unacceptably severe in a 2°C world. While there are few pathways to 2°C that do not rely on negative emissions, 1.5°C scenarios are barely conceivable without them. Building on previous assessments of NETs, we identify some urgent research needs to provide a more complete picture for reaching ambitious climate targets, and the role that NETs can play in reaching them.
Englund et al (2015 Environ. Res. Lett. 10 044002) have recently analyzed biodiesel production fr... more Englund et al (2015 Environ. Res. Lett. 10 044002) have recently analyzed biodiesel production from oil palm plantations as one possible way to mitigate climate change while providing cost effective results. They show that data for detailed quantification of biological carbon sequestration is available allowing a high confidence evaluation of positive impacts when oil palm plantation for food and biodiesel production is carried out in degraded, cultivated soil, and also with some varieties of natural vegetation in the Amazon. Nevertheless, economic risk associated with the future price of fossil fuels and uncertainties related with carbon subsidy are barriers. Here we discuss the assumptions under which such controversial proposal is based and suggest further analysis for Brazilian decision makers.
Elastic electron scattering cross sections of "Mg were measured over a momentum transfer range fr... more Elastic electron scattering cross sections of "Mg were measured over a momentum transfer range from 0.19 to 2.56 fm ' at both forward and backward angles. Information on all of the ground state multipole moments of both Coulomb and magnetic character has been obtained.
Electricity demand is growing rapidly in Brazil. More efficient use of electricity is cost effect... more Electricity demand is growing rapidly in Brazil. More efficient use of electricity is cost effective, will reduce the need to construct costly new power plants, have positive environmental impacts, and provide other benefits. It is technically and economically feasible to reduce projected electricity consumption in 2000 by 20% through the purchase of more efficient motors, lighting equipment, appliances, etc. Many efficient end-use devices are already produced in Brazil and a national electricity conservation program was begun in 1985. While progress is being made, low electricity prices, lack of information and capital, limited institutional support, and other barriers to implementation still exist.
In 1998 renewable energy sources supplied 56 ± 10 exajoules, or about 14 percent of world primary... more In 1998 renewable energy sources supplied 56 ± 10 exajoules, or about 14 percent of world primary energy consumption. The supply was dominated by traditional biomass (38 ± 10 exajoules a year). Other major contributions came from large hydropower (9 exajoules a year) and from modern biomass (7 exajoules). The contribution of all other renewables-small hydropower, geothermal, wind, solar, and marine energy-was about 2 exajoules. That means that the energy supply from new renewables was about 9 exajoules (about 2 percent of world consumption). The commercial primary energy supply from renewable sources was 27 ± 6 exajoules (nearly 7 percent of world consumption), with 16 ± 6 exajoules from biomass. Renewable energy sources can meet many times the present world energy demand, so their potential is enormous. They can enhance diversity in energy supply markets, secure long-term sustainable energy supplies, and reduce local and global atmospheric emissions. They can also provide commercially attractive options to meet specific needs for energy services (particularly in developing countries and rural areas), create new employment opportunities, and offer possibilities for local manufacturing of equipment. There are many renewable technologies. Although often commercially available, most are still at an early stage of development and not technically mature. They demand continuing research, development, and demonstration efforts. In addition, few renewable energy technologies can compete with conventional fuels on cost, except in some niche markets. But substantial cost reductions can be achieved for most renewables, closing gaps and making them more competitive. That will require further technology development and market deployment-and boosting production capacities to mass production. For the long term and under very favourable conditions, the lowest cost to produce electricity might be $0.
Stabilization at concentrations consistent with keeping global warming below 2ºC above the pre-in... more Stabilization at concentrations consistent with keeping global warming below 2ºC above the pre-industrial level will require drastic cuts in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions during the first half of the century; net negative emissions approaching 2100 are required in the vast majority of current emission scenarios. For negative emissions, the focus has been on bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), where carbon-neutral bioenergy would be combined with additional carbon capture thus yielding emissions lower than zero. Different BECCS technologies are considered around the world and one option that deserves special attention applies CCS to ethanol production. It is currently possible to eliminate 27.7 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2 emissions per year through capture and storage of CO2 released during fermentation, which is part of sugar cane-based ethanol production in Brazil. Thus, BECCS could reduce the country's emissions from energy production by roughly 5%. Such emissions are additional to those due to the substitution of biomass-based electricity for fossil-fueled power plants. This paper assesses the potential and cost effectiveness of negative emissions in the joint production system of ethanol and electricity based on sugar cane, bagasse, and other residues in Brazil. An important benefit is that CO2 can be captured twice along the proposed BECCS supply chain (once during fermentation and once during electricity generation). This study only considers BECCS from fermentation because capturing such CO2 is straightforward, thus potentially representing a cost-effective mitigation option for Brazil compared to other alternatives. The assessment shows that fuel prices would increase by less than 3.5% due to the adoption of BECCS from fermentation, while increasing investors' revenues are sufficient to compensate for the investment required. With appropriate government subsidies, or by sharing BECCS costs between all car fuels and all electricity supplied by hydro and bioelectricity, the increment in ethanol and electricity prices could be less than 1% for the final consumer. Meanwhile it would supply 77.3% of all cars' fuel (private cars) and 17.9% of all electricity in Brazil.
Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 2020
Continuous effort to mitigate climate change relies on new technologies able to satisfy human dem... more Continuous effort to mitigate climate change relies on new technologies able to satisfy human demand for energy services with high energy efficiency and reasonable costs. We show that blending a well-known technology with recently introduced and proven technical advances can mitigate climate change in the road transport sector. Furthermore, the achievement of a reasonable cost target is proved to be true when internal combustion engines (ICE) light duty vehicles (LDVs), powered by gasoline fuel, are replaced by plug-in hybrid LDVs (PHEV), powered by ethanol and electricity produced from sugarcane, using well established technology. The only improvements in such ethanol producing technology are the addition of woody biomass to extend the operation of sugar mills and the capture of carbon dioxide (CO 2) generated during sugar fermentation into ethanol. Both actions are already adopted and well developed. The study quantifies greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 e) emissions and the present value cost for operation of a global fleet of 1 billion LDV over a 60-year period. The PHEV powered by sugar cane products reduces GHGs emissions partly through negative emissions, at a lower cost than gasoline fueled ICE vehicles or electric vehicles. Total potential GHG emission reduction is significant but lower than what is required for the transport sector to fulfill international commitments. Nevertheless, if 1 billion sugarcane-based PHEV hit the streets by the year 2060, 6.18 Gt CO 2 e/year can be avoided while the necessity of land for biomass plantation is kept at a reasonable value (86 Mha).
A survey is made of the state of the art of the production of ethanol from sugar cane and other c... more A survey is made of the state of the art of the production of ethanol from sugar cane and other crops and the problems and constraints involved on its use as an automotive fuel. The improved efficiency of modified internal combustion engines running on pure alcohol is discussed as well as pollution problems. It is shown that these problems are not aggravated by the use of ethanol. The energy balances for the production of ethanol from sugar cane, cassava, sweet sorghum and wood-taking into account agricultural and industrial energy expenses-are compared in Brazil and in the United States. Costs of ethanol from different crops are evaluated and the conclusion reached that in present Brazilian conditions it is US$12.69/GJ when produced from sugar cane. Gasoline cost in Brazil is US$12.19/GJ ex-refinery. Considering that ethanol when used as an octane booster has an efficiency 25% higher than gasoline, the final conclusion is that ethanol has reached the breakeven point as compared wit...
Cost-benefit analyses of pre-salt and biofuels in Brazil. Hubbert model applied to pre-salt oil r... more Cost-benefit analyses of pre-salt and biofuels in Brazil. Hubbert model applied to pre-salt oil reserves. Sustainable energy scenarios. Carbon mitigation accounting based on biofuel scenarios. Enhanced oil recovery effect on pre-salt oil reserves.
Electricity demand is growing rapidly in Brazil. More efficient use of electricity is cost effect... more Electricity demand is growing rapidly in Brazil. More efficient use of electricity is cost effective, will reduce the need to construct costly new power plants, have positive environmental impacts, and provide other benefits. It is technically and economically feasible to reduce projected electricity consumption in 2000 by 20% through the purchase of more efficient motors, lighting equipment, appliances, etc. Many efficient end-use devices are already produced in Brazil and a national electricity conservation program was begun in 1985. While progress is being made, low electricity prices, lack of information and capital, limited institutional support, and other barriers to implementation still exist.
ENERGIA é um ingrediente essencial para a vida na sociedade moderna. A ampliação da infra-estrutu... more ENERGIA é um ingrediente essencial para a vida na sociedade moderna. A ampliação da infra-estrututa energética do Brasil, tanto na sua produção como no consumo exigirá grandes investimentos. Daí a necessidade da presença do Governo no planejamento das atividades energéticas, que são geralmente implementados pela iniciativa privada. Esta presença é essencial para: 1. atender a demanda da sociedade por mais e melhores serviços de energia; 2. estimular a participação de fontes energéticas sustentáveis e duradouras; 3. priorizar o uso eficiente da energia para liberar capital aos setores mais produtivos da economia e preservar o meio ambiente; 4. utilizar o investimento em energia como fonte de geração de empregos e de estímulo à indústria nacional; 5. incorporar à matriz energética insumos importados quando isso resultar em vantagens comerciais e sociais ao país, inclusive através da abertura de exportação de produtos e serviços e, 6. produzir energia de diversas fontes, reduzindo o ri...
Executive Summary
Bioenergy has a significant greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potential, provided... more Executive Summary Bioenergy has a significant greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potential, provided that the resources are developed sustainably and that efficient bioenergy systems are used. Certain current systems and key future options including perennial cropping systems, use of biomass residues and wastes and advanced conversion systems are able to deliver 80 to 90% emission reductions compared to the fossil energy baseline. However, land use conversion and forest management that lead to a loss of carbon stocks (direct) in addition to indirect land use change (d+iLUC) effects can lessen, and in some cases more than neutralize, the net positive GHG mitigation impacts. Impacts of climate change through temperature increases, rainfall pattern changes and increased frequency of extreme events will influence and interact with biomass resource potential. This interaction is still poorly understood, but it is likely to exhibit strong regional differences. Climate change impacts on biomass feedstock production exist but if global temperature rise is limited to less than 2°C compared with the pre-industrial record, it may pose few constraints. Combining adaptation measures with biomass resource production can offer more sustainable opportunities for bioenergy and perennial cropping systems. Biomass is a primary source of food, fodder and fibre and as a renewable energy (RE) source provided about 10.2% (50.3 EJ) of global total primary energy supply (TPES) in 2008. Traditional use of wood, straws, charcoal, dung and other manures for cooking, space heating and lighting by generally poorer populations in developing countries accounts for about 30.7 EJ, and another 20 to 40% occurs in unaccounted informal sectors including charcoal production and distribution.
Evaluation and Utilization of Bioethanol Fuels. I. Evaluation of Bioethanol Fuels, Transport Engines, and Bioethanol Sensors , 2024
Significant changes in the road transportation sector are being forecasted for the following deca... more Significant changes in the road transportation sector are being forecasted for the following decade due to global environmental concerns, with the leading strategy being vehicles with total or partial electrification. In this text, we discuss sugarcane ethanol relevance as part of this context and call attention to the fact that its potential has been frequently underestimated. Hybrid vehicles fed with neat ethanol or high ethanol blends can lead to greater GHG emission reduction compared with conventional and battery ones. Furthermore, due to the efficiency improvements in hybrid vehicles, and the use of the full potential of sugarcane coproducts, the land area required for their feedstock production is significantly reduced when compared with conventional cars using straight ethanol. The traditional first generation sugarcane ethanol production route already provides lower GHG emissions compared with fossil fuels, and technical improvements in bioelectricity generation and use of carbon capture and storage (CCS), both already commercially used, can enlarge this gap, making it a serious competitor with electric vehicles.
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Papers by Jose Moreira
Bioenergy has a significant greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potential, provided that the resources are developed sustainably and that efficient bioenergy systems are used. Certain current systems and key future options including perennial cropping systems, use of biomass residues and wastes and advanced conversion systems are able to deliver 80 to 90% emission reductions compared to the fossil energy baseline. However, land use conversion and forest management that lead to a loss of carbon stocks (direct) in addition to indirect land use change (d+iLUC) effects can lessen, and in some cases more than neutralize, the net positive GHG mitigation impacts. Impacts of climate change through temperature increases, rainfall pattern changes and increased frequency of extreme events will influence and interact with biomass resource potential. This interaction is still poorly understood, but it is likely to exhibit strong regional differences. Climate change impacts on biomass feedstock production exist but if global temperature rise is limited to less than 2°C compared with the pre-industrial record, it may pose few constraints. Combining adaptation measures with biomass resource production can offer more sustainable opportunities for bioenergy and perennial cropping systems.
Biomass is a primary source of food, fodder and fibre and as a renewable energy (RE) source provided about 10.2% (50.3 EJ) of global total primary energy supply (TPES) in 2008. Traditional use of wood, straws, charcoal, dung and other manures for cooking, space heating and lighting by generally poorer populations in developing countries accounts for about 30.7 EJ, and another 20 to 40% occurs in unaccounted informal sectors including charcoal production and distribution.