EUBCE 2026 - Ana Paula de Souza SILVA - Preliminary Assessment of the Energy Potential of Agricultural Residues In Brazil

Preliminary Assessment of the Energy Potential of Agricultural Residues In Brazil

Short Introductive summary

The use of residual biomass is key to reducing emissions and enhancing energy security. In Brazil, large volumes of lignocellulosic residues from agriculture offer strong potential for energy conversion, though large-scale use depends on availability and supply stability. This study assesses the theoretical energy potential of agricultural residues based on recent data from the 2025 Municipal Livestock Production Survey (IBGE) and literature sources. Eighteen representative biomasses from fourteen crops were analyzed using Higher Heating Values (HHV). Results show that sugarcane, corn, and soybean residues account for over 90% of Brazil’s total biomass energy potential, with sugarcane bagasse and straw reaching 3.47 × 106 and 1.60 × 106 TJ year?¹, respectively, and corn residues 1.13 × 106 TJ year?¹. Despite high HHV values, residues such as cashew nutshells and coconut husks contributed little due to limited availability. This work provides an updated baseline for evaluating national biomass energy potential.

A.P.d. Silva, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, São Paulo, BRAZIL
R. Moreira, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, São Paulo, BRAZIL
D.E. Hirayama, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, São Paulo, BRAZIL
D.C. Meyer, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, São Paulo, BRAZIL
V.R S. Alves, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, São Paulo, BRAZIL
A.H. Ushima, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, São Paulo, BRAZIL