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E30 proposes increasing ethanol in gasoline to 30%, reducing CO₂ emissions and boosting Brazil's economy and energy security.
Since the 1980s, Brazil has stood out as a leader in the production of ethanol, a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. In 2022, the Brazilian government took bold steps to increase the ethanol blend in gasoline to 30%. This move not only promises to cut CO₂ emissions, but also has the potential to catapult the local economy. Innovations in the ethanol sector are key to ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
Experts from the University of São Paulo revealed, in July 2023, the relevance of biofuels in reducing greenhouse gases. The increase in the proportion of ethanol in gasoline symbolizes a strategic advance, offering numerous environmental benefits and strengthening the national economy. Biofuels such as ethanol enable greener economic development.
Ethanol: A Green and Viable Alternative
Ethanol has earned its place as the 'fuel of the future' due to its efficiency and lower environmental impact. In April 2023, during an event held by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, data was presented confirming the viability of the E30 project, highlighting the savings of 1,7 million tons of CO₂. The advancement of ethanol use is crucial for energy security and to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
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Biofuels also play a vital role in the global energy mix, promising a more sustainable future. The initiative to increase the ethanol blend reflects Brazil’s commitment to cleaner energy solutions. Studies show that by 2025, widespread adoption of ethanol could make it the mainstay of the green economy.
Significant environmental benefits
Sources include the University of São Paulo, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and 2023 sector reports.
Expansion of Ethanol Use
On March 18, 2025, in Brasília, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) presented the results of tests related to the increase in the ethanol blend in gasoline from 27% to 30%. The study, conducted by the Mauá Institute of Technology (IMT), highlighted not only the technical feasibility of the action, but also emphasized that the initiative could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 1,7 million tons annually. Important representatives from the automotive, sugar-energy and bioenergy sectors participated in the event, as well as CEOs of mills and technology experts from the automotive sector.
The results of the analyses confirmed that the new blend ratio is technically feasible. The Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, stated that this strategy will help reduce fuel prices at the pump and strengthen Brazil's autonomy in relation to gasoline imports. The MME emphasized that the transition from the E27 to E30 standard could prevent millions of liters of gasoline from being imported annually. This, in turn, will accelerate national production of biofuels, like ethanol, and significantly increase its demand by around 1,5 billion liters.
Benefits of the Fuel of the Future
During the announcement, Alexandre Silveira emphasized the positive impacts that this measure will bring, highlighting: 'We are moving forward to make the fuel of the future a present reality. The E30 not only reduces the cost for the consumer, but also strengthens the national economy and energy security of Brazil'. He alluded to the Fuel of the Future program, which supports the expansion of ethanol blending whenever its technical viability is confirmed, in addition to other efforts to boost the energy transition.
Silveira also highlighted that the implementation of the new blend should generate 25 new jobs and attract R$9 billion in investment to the sector. Evandro Gussi, president of the Sugarcane and Bioenergy Industry Union (UNICA), stated that this not only reinforces national energy security, but is also an important step towards decarbonization. 'The evidence is clear: ethanol brings benefits to cars, society and the environment. It is a Brazilian heritage that is gaining global recognition,' mentioned Gussi.
The UNICA president also highlighted the strong commitment between the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the National Congress to advance the legal framework, recognizing the crucial role of biofuels in the transition to a low-carbon economy. According to Gussi, the adoption of E30 will further strengthen Brazil's position as a leader in the global clean energy transition.
Global Ethanol Outlook
'Japan has already announced that it will achieve a 20% blend of ethanol in gasoline. India has already reached the 15% mark and is progressing towards 20%, as are Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and South Africa. Countries are realizing the value of this important resource, and Brazil continues to lead this global movement,' commented Gussi.
The indicators indicated by the analyses evaluated aspects such as drivability, performance and emissions of 16 light vehicles and 13 motorcycles, comparing the traditional mixture of 27% ethanol with the new proportion of 30% (E30). The results demonstrated that there is no significant impact on engine performance, confirming the technical feasibility of using E30.
As a next step, the proposal will be discussed at the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE). 'Brazil has a dedicated and prepared technical team, with a vision focused on the future. The sugar-energy sector is well positioned for this change, ready to provide environmental benefits, social and economic important for the country', concluded Gussi.
Source: IMT Press
