What Can The World Learn From Brazil’s Bioenergy Sector?

Bioenergy is the largest source of renewable energy globally, accounting for almost 55%, according to the International Energy Agency.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)’s 1.5°C Scenario claims that keeping global temperature rise to within 1.5°C of pre-industrial levels – in line with The Paris Agreement – will not be met without sustainable biomass and biofuels.

Brazil has emerged as a global leader in driving this change in the bioenergy sector.

About bioenergy

Bioenergy – defined by the IEA as “a source of energy from the organic material that makes up plants, known as biomass” – offers solutions to decarbonising the global energy industry and can help support the transition to cleaner alternatives.

Transport is a major sector for growth in this field, as liquid biofuels and sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) can be used to integrate with existing transport infrastructure.

According to IRENA, bioenergy consumption in transport will need to grow by 300% between 2020 and 2050.

IRENA’s report states that the role of biofuels in global transition and the diversification of renewable energy sources will also bring benefits in energy and supply chain security.

The proposed approach to scaling bioenergy aims to maximise greenhouse gas reductions and avoid negative impacts on food security, biodiversity and land-use change.

Brazil’s bioenergy sector

Brazil is one of the countries leading the global transition to renewable energy.

In 2024, nearly 33% of its primary energy production came from bioenergy from sugar cane, firewood, corn, soybeans and other sources.

In the global transport sector, bioenergy accounted for 3.9% of the world’s total energy consumption, while it reached 25.7% in Brazil.

Bioenergy production has the potential to compete with food production for land and Brazil is aiming to balance between both the needs for conservation and agricultural expansion.

The country has kept 64% of its territory covered in natural vegetation, primarily forest land.

Around 30% of its land is used for agriculture and livestock, with national policies and environmental legislation in place to conserve natural resources and promote sustainable farming practices.

Brazil is the second largest producer of ethanol in the world, after the US. 

Ethanol is most notably used in combustion engines and turbines and can be utilised with existing infrastructure.

Sugar cane accounts for 70% of Brazil’s ethanol production, with the remainder being produced using corn.

Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, says: “Brazil’s experience in the development of sustainable biofuels represents a valuable example of how innovation, policy design and long-term vision can drive the decarbonisation of the energy sector. 

“It offers key insights and a compelling model for countries seeking to advance their own energy transitions while fostering economic growth and social inclusion.”

Brazil’s clean energy policies

The National Energy Transition Policy (PNTE) was launched in 2024 and aims to restructure the Brazilian energy sector to make it more sustainable.

It is designed to direct government and stakeholder efforts towards a sustainable energy structure with low carbon emissions.

It aims to work towards the national goal of net greenhouse gas emissions neutrality by 2050.

The policy encourages the expansion of renewable energy sources such as biomass as well as the use of low-carbon fuels, energy efficiency and technological innovation in clean energy.

Brazil also established the Fuel of the Future Law in 2024, which aims to promote sustainable fuels and fuel technologies in the transport sector.

The law’s goal is to enhance environmental and energy efficiency in the fuel life cycle by integrating various biofuels and fostering innovation and technological developments.

It proposes increasing the mandatory ethanol blend in gasoline, regulating synthetic fuels and creating a carbon capture and storage framework.

The Fuel of the Future Law provides a legal framework for carbon capture and geological storage which allows it to be injected into underground reservoirs.

What can other countries learn from Brazil’s efforts?

Brazil’s biofuels industry shows that effective governance is needed to maximise opportunities and minimise potential negative impacts of bioenergy expansion.

Sustainable bioenergy can tackle risks associated with land and resource use, impacts on food security, ecosystems, carbon stocks and challenges in managing equity, economic competitiveness and affordability.

Biofuel programmes rely on balanced public policies, which Brazil demonstrates.

The country’s experience shows that gradual implementation of fuel policies is most effective, with frequent evaluations.

It also acknowledges the importance of multilateral efforts and international cooperation.

Brazil has collaborated with other countries and policy makers to help reach the full potential of biofuels in global decarbonisation efforts.

Countries are focusing on Brazil as it comes up to COP30, after it has announced its Belém 4x pledge.

The pledge aims to quadruple the global production and use of sustainable fuels by 2035.

“The Brazilian experience highlights the crucial need for strategies and clear policy frameworks that enhance sustainability, reduce investment risks and foster innovation,” Francesco says.

“Through shared learning, coordinated action and collective ambition, we can accelerate the deployment of sustainable solutions; to this end, the Brazilian experience may inspire policy makers to translate ambition into tangible progress.”