Climate Change and Renewable Energy: The Role of Palm Oil in Decarbonization

Climate change is a global reality and has been widely discussed by scientists and experts over the last few decades. The increase in the average global temperature, the intensification of extreme weather events and the scarcity of natural resources are some of the consequences of this phenomenon.

Although natural variations, such as solar cycles, influence the Earth's climate, human activities have been the main cause of global warming since the 19th century. Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas generates large quantities of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), which are trapped in the atmosphere, increasing the planet's temperature.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global temperatures could rise by around 3.2°C by the end of the century if there are no significant changes in the energy matrix. Scientists point out that limiting this increase to 1.5°C is essential to avoid irreversible impacts on the climate and maintain a habitable environment.(Source: IPCC)

Against this backdrop, there is an urgent need to adopt renewable energy sources and reduce GHG emissions. Among the most effective solutions for this transition is the generation of clean, renewable energy from oil palm.

The role of oil palm in the energy transition

Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources is an essential strategy for reducing CO₂ emissions and helping to combat climate change. Palm oil stands out as a sustainable solution for generating clean electricity and is used in various applications to reduce environmental impact.

At the Grupo BBF, we invest in the production of renewable electricity from oil palm. Our plants operate with biofuels (biodiesel and vegetable oil) and biomass from oil palm, serving more than 145,000 residents in isolated regions.

In 2023, we inaugurated Brazil's first hybrid power plant to combine vegetable oil and palm biomass. The TPP is located in São João da Baliza, and serves the population of the state of Roraima, the only state in the federation that is not part of the National Interconnected System.

Palm oil: a sustainable solution for the future

Brazil has enormous potential to become a leader in sustainable palm oil production. Oil palm cultivation in the country follows strict environmental criteria established by the Oil Palm Agroecological Zoning (ZAE), regulated by Decree 7.172/2010, ensuring that cultivation only takes place in areas that have already been degraded, without deforestation.

In addition, the sustainable production of renewable energy from palm oil offers a number of environmental and economic benefits:

Emissions reduction: Generating energy from palm oil emits significantly less CO₂ compared to fossil sources.

High productivity: Oil palm has the highest yield per hectare among oil crops such as soybeans and canola.
Recovery of degraded areas: Sustainable oil palm cultivation contributes to soil recovery and biodiversity preservation.
Job creation: The palm oil production chain boosts the local economy, especially in the Amazon, promoting job opportunities and sustainable development.

We are pioneers in generating clean electricity with biofuels produced from oil palm. Our plants operate in Isolated Systems, located in the northern region of Brazil, guaranteeing sustainable energy for communities that do not have access to the conventional electricity grid.

The Future is Now: Together for a more sustainable planet

Faced with the climate emergency, the Grupo BBF has developed a 100% integrated business model, operating from the sustainable cultivation of oil palm to the generation of renewable energy.

We believe that the transition to a low-carbon economy is an irreversible path. By investing in clean energy production and environmental restoration, we offer real solutions for a more balanced future.

Together, we can tackle the challenge of climate change and build a cleaner, more sustainable planet.

Find out more about how palm oil can transform the energy sector: https://www.grupobbf.com.br/nossos-negocios/energia/