Researchers from Mato Grosso do Sul and Eldorado Brasil Develop Eucalyptus Residue-Based Fuel

Researchers in Mato Grosso do Sul Develop Fuel from Eucalyptus to Reduce Methane Emissions

Due to the high eucalyptus harvest in Mato Grosso do Sul, researchers in the state are producing renewable fuel from waste. In addition to offering high performance, it also contributes to sustainability by preventing greenhouse gas emissions. The industrial researchers are part of the Senai Institute of Innovation in Biomass (ISI Biomass), located in Três Lagoas, due to the large area planted to meet the demand of the paper and pulp industries.

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Mato Grosso do Sul Ranks Second in National Cultivated Areas

According to the Brazilian Institute of Trees (IBA), in 2020, there were about 1.13 million hectares of eucalyptus planted. It is worth noting that MS ranks second in the national list of cultivated areas. In addition to producing 5 million tons of cellulose annually, equivalent to 25% of Brazil’s total production, the state has 1.135 million hectares, according to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), ComexStat, and IBA.

However, the eucalyptus that cannot be utilized rots in the ground, potentially producing methane gas, which in concentrated quantities can accelerate the increase in the global average temperature.

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Recognizing the significant potential of eucalyptus as renewable fuel, researchers in Mato Grosso do Sul have partnered with Eldorado Brasil Celulose to produce a fuel known as green diesel and another referred to as biochar. Both can be used in the processes of eucalyptus cellulose production, from fueling machines to generating thermal energy.

Mato Grosso do Sul Researchers Explain the Project That Originated the Fuel from Eucalyptus Waste

The project is named “Forest4fuel” and was approved under a public notice from the Foundation for the Support of Development in Education, Science and Technology of Mato Grosso do Sul (Fundect).

Thiago Hendrigo de Almeida, one of the researchers and creators of the eucalyptus fuel project, explains the theory that led to the idea. According to the creator, the roots and stumps of eucalyptus are rich in lignin, which provides mechanical resistance to the plant. It is known that biochar and heavy bio-oil are produced from the pyrolysis of these materials, and thus the research proposes a proof of concept, to make real that which is already known in theory.

The industrial researcher also comments on the various benefits generated by eucalyptus fuel. When the plot is free of residues, the next planting cycle is even faster. Additionally, the research also promotes a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Innovating in the Brazilian Industry, Paraná Plant Starts Producing Ethanol from Corn

Due to the severe drought that occurred in the last sugarcane harvest, a plant in Paraná began producing ethanol from corn, while others are completely halted in their production.

With corn, it is possible to produce even more fuel per day, while using less labor, which is a significant advantage. However, despite the high output, the profit margin for corn-based ethanol is still lower than that of sugarcane ethanol.