Biodiesel production in Brazil: Current scenario and perspectives

As a result of the search for energy stability and for the guarantee of national security after the oil crisis in the 70s, many developed and developing countries started studies and researches in order to develop alternative energy sources. Currently Brazil stands out in this field by diversifying its energy mix, having a large share of renewable energy sources, so much that in 2010 it stood in second place in global biodiesel production, just behind Germany. This fuel is to Brazil's economy a renewable and effective source, which aims to complement the national energy matrix and to ensure the security of the country against the impact caused by the fluctuations of the value of petroleum in the exportation market. Moreover, despite of the fact that soybean oilseed crop is the responsible for most of the production of biodiesel, the country has continental extensions and a favorable climate that proposes the cultivation of a wide range of other oil crops that can supply the demand for raw material needed in order to obtain the fuel. Due to its large installed production capacity and favorable condition concerning raw materials, Brazil could become a point of reference for biofuel production and, together with its noble destination in producing, for other forms of fuel too, such as biokerosene and aviation biofuel. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.