Author(s): PICOLI, J. F.; MATSUURA, M. I. da S. F.; SEABRA, J. E. A.; BUNGENSTAB, D. J.

Summary: Abstract: Sugarcane outstands as an important renewable source of energy with expected steady production growth. However, expansion of sugarcane is critical, since the environmental performance of ethanol may be affected by GHG emissions derived from LUC. On the other hand, livestock farming currently practiced in Brazil is mainly extensive, occupying large areas and showing low productivity levels. Hence, in order to sustain the increase of ethanol production, mitigation of iLUC effects should be a priority on sugarcane expansion strategies. Integration of ethanol and beef cattle production can be part of this strategy by contributing to reduction of GHG emissions and improving land use management. This study made a comparative evaluation of the environmental profile of integrating ethanol and beef cattle production, considering different scenarios. The production chains were connected in such a way that the land used for biofuels would be converted from pre-existing extensive pasture, thereby minimizing iLUC and food vs. fuel competition. Results show that integrated production have better environmental performance for most LCA categories analyzed, but the relative differences between scenarios do not exceed 10%. The potential for mitigating GHG emissions through ethanol production and intensification of cattle husbandry became evident when they replace fossil resources and extensive production. Finally, it is important to remark that such integration can largely contribute to avoid iLUC and to support the achievement of the Brazilian emissions target from the Paris Agreement, especially through the increase of bioenergy participation in the Brazilian energy matrix and the restoration of degraded pasture areas.

Publication year: 2020

Types of publication: Paper in annals and proceedings

Unit: Embrapa Environment

Keywords: Biocombustível, Biofuel, Biofuels, Condição Ambiental, Etanol, Gado de Corte, Land use, Land use management, Life cycle assessment, Livestock, Uso da Terra