Oil Palm Biodiesel: a renewable alternative for the future of biofuels

World Biodiesel Day, celebrated on August 10, reminds us of the importance of seeking innovative and sustainable energy solutions. Biodiesel is a biofuel derived from renewable sources, such as vegetable oils and animal fats, as defined by Law No. 9.478/1997(the Petroleum Law). It can totally or partially replace fossil diesel in heavy-duty fleet engines, such as trucks, tractors, agricultural machinery and power generators.

In Brazil, the first biodiesel research projects began in the 1990s. However, it was in 2004, with the launch of the National Program for the Production and Use of Biodiesel (PNPB) by the Federal Government, that biodiesel really made headway in the country.

Biodiesel offers several environmental advantages over petroleum diesel. The main benefits include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing air pollution and contributing to the preservation of forests. In addition, as it is a renewable and biodegradable energy source, it does not harm the environment when disposed of.

Given the growing urgency for renewable and less polluting energy sources, the search for more efficient alternatives is becoming necessary. One of the alternatives that has been gaining prominence is oil palm, an efficient option for agribusiness and the biofuels market.

Oil palm: a high-yield crop

Oil palm, also known as palm oil, stands out for its high productivity, being able to generate up to 10 times more vegetable oil on the same area as soy, for example. This efficiency makes it an advantageous alternative to other oil crops, such as soy and sunflower, which require extensive areas to produce significant quantities of oil. In addition, oil palm offers a number of benefits:

Benefits for Farmers

• High productivity: Oil palm requires less land to produce large quantities of oil, optimizing land use.
• Stable Income: As a perennial plant, oil palm provides continuous harvests throughout the year, guaranteeing a predictable income for farmers.
• Integration with Agroforestry Systems: Oil palm cultivation can be combined with the preservation of local biodiversity. This practice improves soil health, increases the resilience of plantations and helps conserve tropical forests, contributing to the fight against climate change.
• Sustainability: Oil palm can contribute to the recovery of degraded areas and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as it is a clean and renewable source of energy. According to Resolution 71 of the National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANP) of December 2023, the target for adding biodiesel to diesel was increased to 15%. The PNPB establishes gradual targets for increasing the incorporation of biodiesel by 2030, reaching 28%. (Data: https://www.gov.br/pt-br/noticias/energia-minerais-e-combustiveis/2023/03/governo-oficializa-ampliacao-da-mistura-de-biodiesel-no-diesel-vendido-no-pais).
• Socio-economic development: One of the most important socio-economic contributions of oil palm cultivation is that it cannot be mechanized, generating thousands of jobs and income for the local population.

Differences of palm oil for biofuel production

• Reducing dependence on fossil fuels: Palm biodiesel reduces the need for polluting fossil fuels, promoting the country's energy security and independence.
• High Oil Yield: Oil palm produces more oil per hectare than other crops, optimizing biofuel production.
• Reducing carbon in the atmosphere: The biofuel produced from palm oil does not increase the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
• Advanced biofuels: Although Brazil still has a timid global participation in palm oil production - currently occupying tenth place in the ranking of the largest producers - the country has immense potential for sustainable palm cultivation and the opportunity to be a benchmark in the production of advanced biofuels, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Green Diesel (RD).

A practical example: Grupo BBF

Grupo BBF is a pioneer in the production of biodiesel from sustainably grown oil palm. Since 2009, the company has been dedicated to recovering degraded areas in the Amazon, promoting socio-economic development and environmental preservation in the northern region.

The biofuels produced by Grupo BBF are used to generate clean electricity in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, eliminating the need for fossil diesel. The entire process, from the cultivation of oil palm to the production of biofuels, is subject to rigorous quality control, boosting the decarbonization of the economy and promoting the sustainable development of the Amazon.

Decarbonizing the Future with Biofuels

On this World Biodiesel Day, it's important to recognize and promote sustainable alternatives like oil palm. With responsible agricultural practices and a commitment to sustainability, oil palm can become an efficient raw material in the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Find out more at: https://www.grupobbf.com.br/nossos-negocios/biocombustiveis/biodiesel/