“The installation of solar panels and the use of agricultural waste for the production of biogas can replace fossil energy sources on agricultural properties…”
Emanuele Graciosa is a researcher at the Innovation and Technology Center of the National Service for Industrial Training – Senai with a degree in agricultural engineering, a M.Sc. and Ph.D. in bioenergy from the Federal University of Viçosa.
Emanuele Graciosa, researcher at Senai
AgriBrasilis – How can we decarbonize agriculture?
Emanuele Graciosa – Decarbonizing agriculture involves several integrated strategies and practices. First, low-carbon agriculture is essential, using soil conservation techniques such as no-till farming, crop rotation, and the use of cover crops to enhance carbon sequestration in the soil. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) also plays a crucial role, because it reduces the use of chemical pesticides and increases the adoption of biological and natural methods for pest control.
Using renewable energy is another important route to decarbonization. The installation of solar panels and the use of agricultural waste for the production of biogas can replace fossil fuels on farms. Agricultural waste management is also crucial, with composting turning organic waste into nutrient-rich fertilizers. Agroforestry is also importante, as it integrates trees and perennials plants with crops to improve biodiversity and carbon sequestration, and using cover crops protects and enriches the soil between the planting of the main crops.
“Decarbonization promotes the sustainable use of natural resources, ensuring the viability of agricultural production in the long term and preserving resources such as soil, water and biodiversity”
Decarbonizing agriculture is necessary for many reasons. It is a crucial response to climate change, since agribusiness is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Mitigating climate change and its devastating consequences for the environment and society is imperative. Decarbonization promotes the sustainable use of natural resources, ensuring the viability of agricultural production in the long term and preserving resources such as soil, water and biodiversity.
AgriBrasilis – What is biomass and what is it used for?
Emanuele Graciosa – Biomass is a term used to describe organic matter of plant or animal origin that can be used as an energy source. Biomass is the most abundant material on the planet, containing approximately 550-560 billion tonnes of carbon. As a renewable and sustainable energy source, biomass can be used to produce heat, electricity, biofuels and other products.
AgriBrasilis – How are biomass and biofuels related to decarbonization?
Emanuele Graciosa – Biomass and biofuels play a key role in decarbonization because they replace fossil fuels, which are the main sources of CO2 emissions. By replacing fossil fuels with biomass and biofuels, it is possible to significantly reduce GHG emissions associated with energy production and transportation.
The main advantage of biomass is that it operates in a closed carbon cycle. Plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere during growth, and when the biomass is converted to energy, the CO2 is released back into the atmosphere, but this carbon has been recently captured by the plants, resulting in a neutral carbon balance. This contrasts with fossil fuels, which release carbon that has been stored for millions of years, contributing to rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
AgriBrasilis – What is the outlook for biogas in Brazil? How is biomethane produced and used?
Emanuele Graciosa – According to the Brazilian Biogas Association (ABiogás), the country has the potential to produce 120 million cubic meters (m³) of biogas per day, which is equivalent to 35% of our current electricity/power demand. Biogas has gained prominence in Brazil as a renewable and sustainable energy source, especially considering the large amount of organic waste available in the country. Brazil has significant potential for biogas production due to its vast agricultural production, the disposal of urban and industrial waste, and the large volume of sanitary effluents.
Biomethane is a renewable gas produced from biogas, which undergoes purification to remove impurities and unwanted components, resulting in a gas with a high methane content, similar to fossil natural gas. Initially, biogas is produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic waste in biodigesters. This process involves the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms in an oxygen-free environment. The raw biogas is then purified to remove impurities such as carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), water and other contaminants. This purification can be done through processes such as absorption, adsorption, membranes and cryogenics. After purification, the biomethane is compressed for storage or transportation.
Biomethane has several applications and is a renewable and sustainable alternative to fossil natural gas. It can be used in thermal power plants to generate electricity, as a vehicle fuel, compressed (CNG) or liquefied (LNG) to supply heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Biomethane can also be used as a fuel in industrial processes that require natural gas, replacing fossil natural gas in boilers and furnaces. It can be injected into the natural gas distribution network, supplying homes and commercial establishments for use in heating, cooking and hot water generation.
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