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EUBCE 2024 - Daniela HIGGIN AMARAL - Energy Justice Analysis of Palm Oil Production Policies in Brazil: Assessing Disparities and Opportunities

Energy Justice Analysis of Palm Oil Production Policies in Brazil: Assessing Disparities and Opportunities

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Sustainability assessments and stakeholders inclusion in bioenergy and bioeconomy

Energy Justice Analysis of Palm Oil Production Policies in Brazil: Assessing Disparities and Opportunities

Short Introductive summary

Biodiesel production is increasingly vital for global renewable energy needs, presenting palm oil as a significant opportunity. The Elaeis guineensis Jacq. species, native to West Africa, yields oil-rich fruits used for food and energy. Despite Brazil contributing less than 1% to the global palm oil demand, which is largely dominated by Indonesia and Malaysia, the country primarily employs palm oil in food production. Palm oil’s biofuel potential, however, constituted only 1% of Brazil’s national biodiesel production in 2022, trailing soybean oil and bovine tallow. The establishment of biorefineries in the Amazon region holds promise for increased production, and a study recommends assessing public policies for palm oil production in Brazil through the lens of energy justice. Preliminary findings underscore limitations in palm oil’s biofuel contribution, stressing the need for ample, high-quality energy resources and recognizing intersectionality in addressing energy justice alongside socioeconomic, political, and environmental justice. The analysis identifies policy gaps, suggesting opportunities for adjustments to ensure energy justice in this burgeoning sector.

Presenter

Moderator portrait

Daniela HIGGIN AMARAL

University of São Paulo, Institute of Energy and Environment, BRAZIL

Presenter's biography

PhD candidate at GBio/IEE/USP, conducting research at Imperial College. Holds a bachelor's in Forest Engineering and a master's in Forest Management. Experienced practitioner and researcher in forestry policy and bioenergy. Research focuses on forest biomass as a sustainable energy source in Brazil.

Biographies and Short introductive summaries are supplied directly by presenters and are published here unedited


Co-authors:

S. Neiva, Universidade de São Paulo, BRAZIL
D. Higgin Amaral, Universidade de São Paulo, BRAZIL
S. Ana Paula de Souza, Universidade de São Paulo, BRAZIL
A. Mônica Joelma do Nascimento, Universidade de São Paulo, BRAZIL
L. Lira Luz Benites, Universidade de São Paulo, BRAZIL
C. Suani T., Universidade de São Paulo, BRAZIL
B. Célio, Universidade de São Paulo, BRAZIL

Session reference: 2AV.3.11