Case study

The Brazilian National Biofuels Policy (RenovaBio) has as its main purpose to promote the growth of the biofuels chain in Brazil, from more efficient and sustainable production models, culminating in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as contributing to the fulfillment of the commitments assumed by the country at COP-21. RenovaCalc is a tool from RenovaBio that is capable of analyzing lifecycle inventory data of background processes, added to the technical parameters of agricultural and industrial production that is informed by the biofuel producer. The final product is given through an Energy-Environmental Efficiency Grade (NEEA). In this context, NEEA, together with raw material eligibility values, will serve as the basis for the calculation of decarbonization credits (CBios). Given this context, the present study sought to investigate three scenarios: S1: excluded agricultural phase; S2: 100% eligible soy combined with the use of beef tallow, and S3: production of biodiesel with 100% soybean oil. The study compared two biodiesel producing national industries to NEEA certified by the Brazilian National Office of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP). It can be concluded that NEEA does not have a direct influence on the quantity of CBios to be traded, that is, the highest ratio is given from the eligibility (%) of the raw material chosen for the production of the fuel. Thus, scenario 2, which relied on the use of waste, proved to be 10 times more profitable compared to the other scenarios, in both analyses, due to its high eligibility. However, in terms of NEEA, it was noted that the exclusion of the agricultural phase (scenario 1) was the one that was most efficient in terms of gCO2 eq./MJ. It is relevant to emphasize the importance of proper handling and practices that guarantee the traceability of the grain so that the eligibility indexes are optimized.

Biogas as a Transport Fuel—A System Analysis of Value Chain Development in a Swedish Context

Biofuels policy instruments are important in the development and diffusion of biogas as a transport fuel in Sweden. Their effectiveness with links to geodemographic conditions has not been analysed systematically in studying biogas development in a less urbanised regions, with high potential and primitive gas infrastructure. One such region identified is Gävleborg in Sweden. By using value chain statistics, interviews with related actors, and studying biofuels policy instruments and implications for biogas development, it is found that the policy measures have not been as effective in the region as in the rest of Sweden due to different geodemographic characteristics of the region, which has resulted in impeded biogas development. In addition to factors found in previous studies, the less-developed biogas value chain in this region can be attributed particularly to undefined rules of the game, which is lack of consensus on trade-off of resources and services, unnecessary competition among several fuel alternatives, as well as the ambiguity of municipalities’ prioritization, and regional cultural differences. To strengthen the regional biogas sector, system actors need a strategy to eliminate blocking effects of identified local factors, and national policy instruments should provide mechanisms to process geographical conditions in regulatory, economic support, and market formation.

Renovabio: Innovation and Sustainability at the New Brazilian Biofuels Policy or The Emperor’s New Clothes?

Biofuel policies are an ongoing matter for both developed and developing countries. Brazil, a giant world producer, has a historical roll of regulations and laws that affect the sector. Nevertheless, studies from a political ecology perspective, which pay attention to the impacts of power relations and discourses in political outcomes are scarce. In this sense, we focus on the National Biofuel Policy (Renovabio), launched in 2017, to analyze discursive coalitions as well as perceptions from social actors settle in a biofuel production territory. We sought to understand contradictions between discourses and practices within Renovabio and how they reproduce traditional Brazilian Biofuel policies. To answer these questions, we used Atlas.ti software to support a content and critical discursive analysis in order to detect distinct perspectives, narratives and interests during Renovabio’s implementation. We draw on: i) statements from stakeholders, lobbyists, and Congress members; ii) Bills, Law Projects and ordinances texts from the special commissions and committees; iii) speeches from plenary sessions occurred on the National Congress; iv) Public Audiences contributions; v) articles from biofuel magazines and specialized websites; and, vi) digital platforms from lobbies and interest groups; We also conducted 24 interviews with community members, farmers, local government officials, civil associations, and industry representatives in the state of Goiás, a large ethanol/ sugar-energy production territory. Results pointed to a strong ecological modernization discourse deployed to justify the rapid policy implementation and to legitimize economic incentives, particularly ecological labeling/certification. Renovabio’s goals, speeches and practices are in many senses contradictory and reproduce problems detected in previous biofuel policies that dim legislative transparency, weakens accountability and tramples society participation and representativeness over biofuel development.

RenovaBio e o agrohidronegócio canavieiro em Goiás

O presente artigo é referente à expansão do agrohidronegócio canavieiro em Goiás por meio da atuação do Estado mediante políticas governamentais como a Política Nacional de Biocombustíveis – RenovaBio. Para o desenvolvimento desta pesquisa foi realizada uma análise da concentração do agrohidronegócio ao longo dos anos e uma análise da legislação do RenovaBio, bem como dos seus efeitos em uma possível nova expansão. Conclui-se que a nova política de Estado voltada ao agronegócio canavieiro, RenovaBio, tem como intuito principal o incentivo à geração de biocombustíveis no Brasil, justificado pelo acordo estabelecido na Conferência de Paris. Ainda, que com a efetivação do RenovaBio, a produção de agrocombustíveis (incluindo o etanol) no Brasil tende a aumentar e, evidentemente, acarretará o aumento da produtividade do agronegócio canavieiro a partir de melhor tecnologia na mecanização e na genética da variedade da cana, como também poderá intensificar a expansão das áreas dos canaviais para a Microrregião Sudoeste do estado de Goiás nas áreas remanescentes de Cerrado. Abstract RENOVABIO AND THE SUGARCANE AGRIBUSINESS IN GOIÁS This article approaches the expansion of sugarcane agribusiness in Goiás through the State’s action according to government policies such as the National Biofuels Policy – RenovaBio. To develop this research, we performed an analysis of the agribusiness concentration over the years and the RenovaBio legislation, as well as its effects on a possible new expansion. We concluded that the new policy for the state of sugarcane agribusiness, the RenovaBio, has the main purpose of encouraging the generation of biofuels in Brazil justified by the agreement established at the Paris Conference. In addition, by implementing the RenovaBio, the [ production of agrofuels (including ethanol) in Brazil tends to increase evidently leading to an enhanced productivity of sugarcane agribusiness through improved technology for the mechanization and genetics of sugarcane variety, which may intensify the expansion of sugarcane areas to the Southwest Micro-region of the state of Goiás in the remaining areas of Cerrado.