A Green Revolution: JBS Invests 54 Million Reais in Biodigesters for Biogas Production
São Paulo, May 31, 2023 – The energy future of JBS, one of the world's giants in the food sector, presents an increasingly green face. The company is promoting a revolution in its industrial practices with the implementation of biodigesters. The intention is to transform the methane generated in its operations into biogas, a renewable and clean source of energy. With an investment of 54 million reais, the company aims to reduce Friboi's scope 65 emissions by 1%, which corresponds to a 24,6% drop in scope 1 emissions from all JBS activities in Brazil. This ambitious project represents the largest initiative of its kind in the country's protein industry, minimizing the environmental impact of its production processes.
Biodigesters: The New Frontier in Methane Capture for Biogas Production
The biodigesters will be responsible for capturing the methane released by the company's operations, converting it into biogas. This clean fuel is standing out in the scenario of the global energy transition to a low-carbon matrix. Following the principles of the circular economy, biogas can be used in three areas: to generate steam in the units' boilers, replacing biomass; as a source of electricity generation; and as fuel for the JBS transport fleet, replacing diesel or using a hybrid system. These applications contribute to the reduction of Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (related to the use of electricity) emissions.
The first phase of the project will be implemented by mid-June 2023 at nine Friboi factories in the states of São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Goiás, Minas Gerais and Rondônia. The Andradina (SP), Campo Grande I (MS), Lins (SP), Mozarlândia (GO) and Ituiutaba (MG) units have already concluded their works, while the others are in an advanced stage of implementation.
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JBS and the Vision of a Sustainable Agribusiness
Maurício Bauer, Corporate Sustainability Director at JBS Brasil, points out that, in line with the circular economy, the biodigesters will contribute to reducing the company's methane emissions and will start producing clean, renewable energy. Bauer highlights JBS' view that agribusiness is part of the solution to face the challenges of climate change. Currently, around 90% of the company's electricity matrix in Brazil already comes from renewable energy sources.
This investment in biogas projects in Brazil reflects J's commitmentBS in becoming a company Net Zero by 2040, that is, zero the net balance of greenhouse gas emissions throughout its value chain. This target involves reducing direct and indirect emissions and offsetting all residual emissions. Worldwide, JBS has been working to capture methane in its operations for decades.
Still in an international context, 14 plants in the United States and Canada already have biodigester systems, producing 190 m³/d of biogas. This clean energy supplies boilers and is used to produce electricity at the company's units, in addition to being sold to gas companies. In North America, the company has plans to expand its biogas production projects and make new investments in Mexico. At the same time, JBS and Energy360 are investing in biogas projects in Australia, with the potential to eliminate the emission of 60 thousand tons of CO₂ and save 2 million Australian dollars per year in expenses with natural gas.
Biogas in Brazil: Potential and Prospects
The capture of methane in the nine Friboi units will allow the production of approximately 80 thousand m³/d of biogas. This volume can supply the natural gas consumption of more than 190 thousand families with an average monthly consumption of 11,7 m³/month (2021 data for residential gas consumption in the State of São Paulo). In addition, it can power 31 natural gas vehicles (CNG) that travel around 300 kilometers a month or 100 CNG trucks that travel the equivalent of XNUMX kilometers a day.
Along with use in JBS operations, biogas can also be sold to third parties, such as state piped gas distributors or industries that wish to manufacture products from natural gas in a more sustainable way. Another possibility is the conversion of biogas into biomethane for use as fuel in CNG-powered vehicles. A third alternative being evaluated is the use of biogas as a source for distributed electricity generation projects to supply the Group's facilities.
Through these new initiatives, JBS expands its efforts to reduce the impact of methane emissions on its businesses. Another action in this regard is the partnership with the Institute of Animal Science of the Secretary of Agriculture and Supply of the State of São Paulo for the development of food additives for the bovine chain.