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Development of the BioGLP market from vegetable oil and waste. Renewable product with fewer carbon emissions for thermal generation.
Ultragaz acquired the first commercial cargo of bioGLP produced at the Riograndense Refinery (RS). The distributor's objective is to test the performance of the least polluting product on the market. The cargo, weighing 140 tons, was produced from soybean oil, with an estimated carbon emissions up to 80% smaller than liquefied petroleum gas (GLP) traditional.
BioGLP, also known as compressed biomethane, is a more sustainable product that can be produced from vegetable oil and agro-industrial and urban waste, resulting in a version with lower carbon emissions of LPG, 'cylinder gas'. The renewable product has the same properties as conventional fossil fuels, which eliminates the need to adapt existing infrastructure. Furthermore, the use of bioGLP contributes to reducing the carbon footprint and promoting a greener economy.
Global expansion of bioGLP production
bioGLP is a more sustainable product that has gained prominence in recent years. Currently, global production of bioGLP is 300 thousand tons per year, mainly concentrated in Europe. The estimate is that the Riograndense Refinery (RPR) will expand its capacity in the next two years to deliver up to 30 thousand tons per year, further boosting the market for this renewable product. The growing demand for energy options with lower carbon emissions has driven the market development of bioGLP in various regions of the world.
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Growth of bioGLP in the industry
The first volumes of bioGLP are being directed to customers in the textile and food industries, who use the product for thermal generation, served by Ultragaz with traditional cylinders. The distributor's director of marketing and customer experience, Aurélio Ferreira, believes that the expansion of bioGLP can also reach other industries that work with thermal processes, such as metallurgy and ceramics. This diversification of application shows the growth potential of bioGLP in different industrial segments.
Challenges and perspectives for bioGLP
BioGLP still faces challenges, such as the price of the vegetable oil derivative, which is higher than that of traditional LPG. However, the increase in the scale of production and the advancement of commercial negotiations tend to improve the competitiveness of bioGLP. Furthermore, the reduction of carbon emissions has been an important differentiator of this more sustainable product, attracting consumers looking for solutions for decarbonization in their industrial processes. Ultragaz is also looking for alternatives to decarbonize the transport of cylinders, considering the use of compressed biomethane in trucks and even discussing the application of bioGLP in vehicles in partnership with the National Petroleum Agency (ANP).
Exploration of new applications
Ultragaz has invested in innovation and the search for new applications for bioGLP, seeking to understand customer needs and expand the range of possibilities for using this more sustainable product. Entry into residential market is also a perspective, with the mixture of a percentage of bioGLP in conventional cylinder gas, offering a more sustainable solution for domestic consumers. Expansion to other markets and complementarity with traditional LPG are strategies that should drive the growth of bioGLP in the coming years.
Initiatives and partnerships for the development of bioGLP
The Riograndense Refinery adapted its catalytic cracking units to use soybean oil instead of petroleum in the production of bioGLP, demonstrating a significant effort to boost the production of this more sustainable fuel. Participation in international discussions and partnerships with research and development institutions show Ultragaz's commitment to seeking innovative and technologically advanced solutions for the bioGLP market. This engagement is fundamental for the growth and consolidation of this product in the global energy market.
Source: EPBR
