José Goldemberg

Sustainable Biofuels Redux

Science-based policy is essential for guiding an environmentally sustainable approach to cellulosic biofuels.

The alcohol program

The rational for the launching of the Alcohol Program from sugarcane in Brazil in the mid-1970’s is described as an answer to the first “oil crisis” as well as a solution to the problem of the fluctuating sugar prices in the international market. The technical characteristics of ethanol as a fuel are given as well as a discussion of the evolution of the cost of production, environmental and social consequences. Regarding costs, ethanol production was close to 100 dollars a barrel in the initial stages of the Program in 1980 falling rapidly due to economies of scale and technological progress to half that value in 1990, followed by a slower decline in recent years. Considering the hard currency saved by avoiding oil importation through the significant displacement of gasoline by ethanol and the decrease in the amount of external debt that the displaced oil importation was able to provide it is possible to demonstrate that the Alcohol Program has been an efficient way of exchanging dollar debt by national currency subsidies which are paid by the liquid fossil fuel users. Even with this economic gains for society, the continuity of the Program is difficult to maintain. Two solutions to this problem are discussed: internal expansion of the use of ethanol and exports to industrialized countries where it could be used as an octane enhancer. The main attractiveness of the Program – the reduction of CO2 emissions as compared to fossil fuels – is stressed, mainly as a solution for industrialized countries to fulfill their commitments with the United Nations Framework Climate Change Convention.

Ethanol learning curve—the Brazilian experience

Economic competitiveness is a very frequent argument against renewable energy (RE). This paper demonstrates, through the Brazilian experience with ethanol, that economies of scale and technological advances lead to increased competitiveness of this renewable alternative, reducing the gap with conventional fossil fuels.

A future for carbon taxes

Abstract Carbon taxes have been frequently advocated as a cost-effective instrument for reducing emissions. However, in the practice of environmental policies, only six countries have implemented taxes based on the carbon content of the energy products. In this paper, we evaluate carbon taxes with regard to their competitiveness, distributional and environmental impacts. The evidence shows that carbon taxes may be an interesting policy option and that their main negative impacts may be compensated through the design of the tax and the use of the generated fiscal revenues.

Foreign direct investment and decoupling between energy and gross domestic product in developing countries

On a sample of 20 developing countries, we noticed a clear decline in the energy intensity as foreign direct investment increases. The reason for that probably is the use of modern technologies that came with foreign direct investment, i.e., a leapfrogging over the old fashioned traditional technologies in use in these countries.

Renewable energy--traditional biomass vs. modern biomass

Abstract Renewable energy is basic to reduce poverty and to allow sustainable development. However, the concept of renewable energy must be carefully established, particularly in the case of biomass. This paper analyses the sustainability of biomass, comparing the so-called “traditional” and “modern” biomass, and discusses the need for statistical information, which will allow the elaboration of scenarios relevant to renewable energy targets in the world.

Energy Balance for Ethyl Alcohol Production from Crops

Energy requirements to produce ethyl alcohol from three different crops in Brazil (sugarcane, cassava, and sweet sorghum) were calculated. Figures are presented for the agricultural and industrial phases. The industrial phase is always more energy-intensive, consuming from 60 to 75 percent of the total energy. Sugarcane is the more efficient crop for ethyl alcohol production, followed by sweet sorghum and cassava from a net energy viewpoint. The utilization of sweet sorghum stems might increase the total energy gain from this crop to almost the same level as sugarcane. Cassava has a lower energy gain at the present state of agriculture in Brazil.

How adequate policies can push renewables

Abstract The growing interest in the establishment of a minimum share of renewable sources in the world energy matrix, after the Johannesburgs World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD), has raised the question about the means for such new technologies to compete with the traditional ones. The Brazilian experience in the last 25 years with ethanol as a replacement for gasoline can illustrate this possibility. Moreover, recent policies introduced by the Federal government for a minimum share of new renewable sources—wind, modern biomass and small hydro—in the Brazilian electricity matrix reinforces the countrys commitment to utilize adequate policies for achieving sustainable development.

Energia e meio ambiente no Brasil

Energy production and use present environmental impacts, but the present consumption patterns can be improved through a more efficient use of energy and a shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy. Due to hydroelectricity and bioethanol, Brazil still has a comfortable position compared to the rest of the world. Self-sufficient in oil, the country today discusses how to supply natural gas and electricity in the medium and long terms, with different positions about the path to follow. The present article proposes recommendations, with special focus on the electricity sector.

Brazilian sugarcane ethanol: lessons learned (1)

Ethanol derived from sugarcane is an efficient and renewable biofuel that appears as a solution to the problems of rural development, diversification of energy sources, and fossil fuel-saving, as well as contributing to the reduction of local pollutants from vehicle exhausts and net reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. During the 30 years of the Brazilian Alcohol Program, Brazil has accumulated a significant amount of experience in the various aspects of sugarcane ethanol production. This paper discusses this experience and the lessons learned, with special attention paid to the following aspects: (1) private investments now fund alcohol mill construction, eliminating the need for subsidies or other government incentives (so there is no influence of the sunk capital investments made in the past), and it is competitive with gasoline without the need for government subsidies to the industry; (2) the favorable energy balance of ethanol; (3) there is no competition for land with food crops; (4) the quality of jobs and social impacts; (5) the compatibility of existing fleets with ethanol-gasoline blends; (6) adequate legislation can control local environmental impacts associated with feedstock production and biofuel manufacture; (7) perspectives for the replication of the Brazilian ethanol program in other developing countries.