EUBCE 2024 - Danilo PERECIN - Low-Carbon Hydrogen Potential from Sucroenergetic Sector for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production in Brazil

Low-Carbon Hydrogen Potential from Sucroenergetic Sector for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production in Brazil

Short Introductive summary

In 2022, Brazil’s aviation sector faced a fuel imbalance, consuming 6 billion liters of jet fuel while producing around 4.9 billion, resulting in an import exceeding 20%. Besides, the aviation industry seeks to reduce emissions to achieve net-zero by 2050. To address environmental concerns and jet fuel demand, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plays a crucial role. Current technology enables the production of SAF from a variety of biomass. Low-carbon hydrogen is crucial for producing SAF, but currently, over 96% of hydrogen is derived from fossil fuels. Alternative technologies for low-carbon hydrogen production include electrolysis, steam reforming of biomethane, and biomass gasification. In this context, considering the low-carbon hydrogen necessity for SAF production in Brazil, this research seeks to estimate the production technical potential from the sucroenergetic sector studying different routes. Water electrolysis and steam reforming of biomethane and ethanol at the national level will be studied. Residues, such as vinasse and filter cake, will be used for biomethane production, and the excess electricity from burning bagasse will be used in the water electrolysis.

A.C Gutierrez-Gomez, University of São Paulo, BRAZIL
B. Narváez-Romo, University of São Paulo, BRAZIL
D. Perecin, University of São Paulo, BRAZIL
M.S. Buckeridge, University of São Paulo, BRAZIL
J.R. Meneghini, University of São Paulo, BRAZIL
S.T. Coelho, University of São Paulo, BRAZIL