The sixteenth edition of Biofuels´Current Outlook presents relevant facts about the biofuels market that occurred in 2024. The sugar-energy sector performed well, and there was growth in corn ethanol production facilities, both through the expansion of existing plants and the commissioning of new units. Combining the two sources—sugarcane and corn-ethanol production reached a record high. Consumption of Otto-cycle fuels hit a historic peak, reflecting positive economic results and record levels of formal employment, real income mass for workers, reduced social inequalities, and the lowest unemployment rate. Bioelectricity maintained its share in the national energy matrix. In the biodiesel sector, the mandatory blend percentage increased to 14% by volume (B14), starting in March and remained at that level for the rest of the year. Brazil stayed among the top three producers and consumers of biodiesel in the international ranking. Biogas continued gaining relevance in the national scenario, with great potential for the sugar-energy sector. This favorable moment for the sector is particularly evident for biomethane, with a rapid increase in operating plants and several new units under construction. Among emerging prospects, the application of biofuels in the maritime sector stands out, along with new biofuels such as renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with unit projects envisioned in the medium term.
Regarding RenovaBio, in 2024, the National Biofuels Policy completed five years of full operation.
Also noteworthy is the enactment of Law No. 14,993 on October 8, 2024, known as the "Future Fuel Law," which establishes important guidelines for the biofuels sector.
In this edition, the final article analyzes how increased biofuel production can occur without putting pressure on new areas, through land-saving techniques and the use of degraded pastures. Additionally, the Brazilian bioenergy model is highlighted, which not only contributes to the renewability of the energy matrix but also enables the use of biofuel industry co-products in animal feed, while stimulating job creation throughout the production chain. This synergy underscores the importance of an integrated strategy that combines food production and renewable energy generation, with emphasis on family farming and public policies such as the Social Biofuel Seal.
