Brazil has enormous potential for biofuels and the nation is embarking on the development of biogas and biomethane as this WBA Congress 2024 press release report explains.
In an era where the global energy transition is more crucial than ever, Brazil is emerging as a key player on the international stage. The World Biogas Association BRAZIL Congress 2024 has not only spotlighted the country’s untapped biogas potential but also marked the beginning of a bold new journey: the creation of a Brazilian National Biogas Roadmap.
This collaborative effort, aligning local and global leaders, promises to revolutionize Brazil’s role in renewable energy, just as the nation prepares to host critical international events like COP30 and the G20.
With 95% of Brazil's biogas potential yet to be harnessed, the future of green energy is unfolding, and this Congress is the first step. Find out the details of this historic milestone and learn how Brazil is poised to lead the charge in biogas innovation and climate action.
PRESS RELEASE, 9 October 2024
Collaboration between countries is the highlight of the World Biogas Association BRAZIL Congress 2024
Reflecting on Brazil's potential, the Congress marked the first step towards the development of a National Biogas Roadmap, bringing national and regional authorities together with all other stakeholders to work on the future of biogas and biomethane in Brazil.
Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, 9 October 2024 — The World Biogas Association BRAZIL Congress 2024, organised by the World Biogas Association (WBA) on 1 October, emphasised Brazil’s position as a leader in the global energy transition, focusing on the immense biogas potential yet to be explored.
WBA Congress a Milestone in Brazil Biofuels
The event represented a historic milestone for the Brazilian biogas industry and marked the start of the development of a National Biogas Roadmap with the support of WBA. The Congress took place concurrently with G20 Energy meetings in Foz do Iguaçu – thus drawing global attention to the bioenergy sector at a strategic moment when the country holds the G20 Presidency, as well as prepares to host COP30 and presides over BRICS in 2025.
Local, regional, and international authorities contributed to the discussions, including representatives from organisations such as the Brazilian Biogas Association – ABiogás, the International Renewable Energy and Biogas Center (CIBiogás), the Government of the State of Paraná, the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA), the Biogas Women’s Network (Mulheres do Biogas), the Biofuture Campaign, the UK Department for Business and Trade, the Energy Research Company (EPE), as well as international institutions such as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (UNEP) and leading industry figures including Paolo Frankl, Head of the Renewable Energy Division at the International Energy Agency (IEA), and Luis Zavaleta, Director of Environmental Sustainability and Compliance at PepsiCo, Latin America.
National Biogas Roadmap for Brazil
One of the main outcomes of the Congress was the commitment to create a National Biogas Roadmap, to be developed by COP30, planned to take place in Belém (Pará) in 2025.
This roadmap aims to align the interests of multiple stakeholders across relevant ministries, departments, agencies, institutions, and sectors, develop a comprehensive policy and regulatory framework, support a capacity-building programme, and model the supply chain requirements.
WBA Chief says: “Brazil is a bioenergy powerhouse”
In her speech, Charlotte Morton OBE, WBA Chief Executive, emphasised Brazil's role in the global renewable energy landscape:
“Brazil is a bioenergy powerhouse with a vast biogas potential and a clear political focus on the fuels of the future. Yet, 95% of this potential remains untapped – the World Biogas Association BRAZIL Congress 2024 on the sidelines of the G20 is the beginning of our journey here in Brazil where we hope to work with all key stakeholders of the Brazilian biogas market to create a National Biogas Roadmap that builds on our #MakingBiogasHappen programme and sets out the key steps necessary to dramatically accelerate the deployment of biogas in the country .“
she stated.
Biomethane and Hydrocarbon Production Visit
The event was preceded on 30 September by a technical visit to the Itaipu Biomethane Unit and the Renewable Hydrocarbon Production Unit at the Itaipu Binational facilities, where visitors learnt about the history of biogas in the region, as well as the commitment to the development of advanced technologies in the biogas and biomethane sectors.
Itaipu Binational's general director, Enio Verri, made it clear that biogas is seen:
“as a great, fundamental tool in the energy transition, especially in times of climate crisis.”
Biogas at the centre of the global energy transition
Topics discussed in the plenary sessions of the Congress included logistics and industrial decarbonisation, waste management, and the financing for biomethane projects. The presence of global leaders bore testimony to the opportunities that biogas offers as a key solution for achieving emission reduction targets and energy security, in line with Brazil’s commitments to the Global Methane Pledge.
“We are experiencing a very important moment for biogas and biomethane in Brazil, with the growing number of plants, projects, and an increasingly favourable regulatory environment,”
said Rafael González, CEO of CIBiogás.
“The WBA event, held here in Brazil, enables us to qualify, position, and bring the Brazilian biogas industry closer to the international stage.”
Strategic partnerships and next steps
The World Biogas Association Congress Series was launched by WBA in New Delhi, India in November 2023, with the support of the Indian Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas and New and Renewable Energy.
The series aims to facilitate the scaling up of key emerging biogas markets, identifying the main barriers to growth and ensuring access to lessons learnt from mature biogas markets.
The Congress in Brazil served as a means to strengthen collaboration between the country and other biogas markets, such as India. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a just energy transition, strengthening ties in the promotion of biogas and the bioeconomy.
“With this BRAZIL Congress, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the biogas sector within the global energy dialogue and discuss the roadmap for the Brazilian biogas sector ahead of COP30,”
said Pradeep Monga, WBA’s Policy Director.
“We are working to ensure its implementation, bringing new financing opportunities, new technologies, and best practices so that biogas can grow stronger and more rapidly.”
Following the success of the Congress in Brazil, the next event in the series will take place in New Delhi, India, on 23-24 October 2024, further consolidating the partnership between the countries in the development of biogas and anaerobic digestion technologies.
Positive feedback and global impact
“It was a unique opportunity to exchange experiences and connect emerging and mature markets,”
said Evandro Gussi, CEO of UNICA, during his participation in one of the panels. The event's success and stakeholder engagement confirm the central role of biogas in Brazil's energy future. The discussions and outcomes from this Congress open new opportunities for initiatives and policies that are expected to accelerate the sector's development in the country.
– ENDS –
What is Biogas?
Biogas is a renewable energy source produced from organic waste through a process called anaerobic digestion. It is a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, with benefits for the environment and economy.
Biogas Industry in Brazil
Brazil is a key player in the biogas industry in Latin America, with a growing number of biogas plants and projects. The country has significant potential for biogas production, offering opportunities for growth and development.
National Roadmap for Biogas in Brazil
The national roadmap for biogas in Brazil outlines key initiatives and policies to support the growth of the biogas industry. It aims to promote the use of biogas as a sustainable energy source and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Industry Trends
Emerging trends in the biogas industry in Brazil include increased investment in biogas projects, technological advancements, and partnerships with other sectors. The market outlook for biogas and biomethane is positive, with growing demand for renewable energy sources.
World Biogas Association Congress 2024
The World Biogas Association Congress 2024 is a premier event that brings together industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the latest developments in the biogas sector. The congress will feature informative sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions on key topics shaping the future of biogas.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the current status of biogas production in Brazil?
Brazil is one of the leading producers of biogas in Latin America, with a growing number of biogas plants across the country.
2. How does biogas contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
Biogas is a renewable energy source that is produced from organic waste, helping to reduce methane emissions and combat climate change.
3. What are the main challenges facing the biogas industry in Brazil?
Some of the main challenges include lack of infrastructure, financing, and regulatory barriers that hinder the growth of the biogas industry.
4. What are the key benefits of using biogas as a renewable energy source?
Biogas is a versatile and sustainable energy source that can be used for electricity generation, heating, and transportation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
5. How can I get involved in the biogas industry in Brazil?
There are various opportunities for investors, policymakers, and technology providers to participate in the development of the biogas industry in Brazil.
6. What role does the World Biogas Association play in promoting biogas globally?
The WBA is a leading organization that advocates for the use of biogas and biomethane as sustainable energy sources, promoting best practices and knowledge sharing.
7. What would I expect from attending the World Biogas Association Congress of October 2024?
The WBA Congress 2024 provided valuable insights, networking opportunities, and discussions on the latest trends and developments in the biogas industry of Brazil.
