CNPEM participates in project to evaluate biomethane production from sugarcane residues

Initiative brings together LNBR/CNPEM, Equinor, Embrapii and Unicamp to develop innovative solutions that transform residues from the sugar-energy industry into renewable fuel

The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) participates in the Res2Bio (Residues to Biomethane) project, an initiative that aims to expand the production of biomethane from residues from the sugar-energy production chain. Conducted in partnership with the São Paulo Center for Studies in Biogas and Bioproducts (CP2B) at Unicamp, Equinor and Embrapii, the project seeks to develop technological solutions capable of converting agro-industrial byproducts into renewable fuel, contributing to the decarbonization of the Brazilian energy matrix. The activities will include the participation of researchers from the Brazilian Biorenewables National Laboratory (LNBR/CNPEM).

The project foresees the use of residues remaining from the ethanol production process. Bagasse, straw, vinasse and filter cake will be collected in partnership with industrial actors in the sugar-energy sector, enabling research aimed at biomethane production. The input is strategically important for the energy transition, as it can replace fossil gas without the need for major changes to existing infrastructure.

Furthermore, biomethane also stands out for converting organic waste into energy, aligning the reduction of methane emissions — which would otherwise be released during waste decomposition — with the generation of locally produced renewable energy, among other benefits.

“Projects like Res2Bio show how scientific knowledge can transform an environmental challenge into an opportunity to generate value. At CNPEM, we have been advancing in the development of biotechnological solutions aimed at the full utilization of agro-industrial residues, especially through the use of enzymes and microorganisms integrated with thermochemical treatments, aiming to enable the use of this byproducts as an alternative input to petroleum on industrial scale. These technologies make it possible to increase the efficiency of processes and enable new routes for the production of biofuels, such as biomethane, contributing to a more circular and low-carbon economy. By integrating cutting-edge science with real industry demands, we expand the potential to transform waste into strategic resources for the energy transition”, declares Mário Murakami, director of LNBR/CNPEM.

Resources

Res2Bio will receive R$ 26.4 million in investments over 42 months of research, with R$ 17.2 million contributed by Equinor and R$ 9.2 million by Embrapii. The resources will be allocated to the development of solutions capable of converting residues from the sugar-energy industry into biomethane, a renewable fuel considered strategic for the energy transition.

“The Res2Bio project is an important demonstration of how our fomentation model can be used in an agile way to generate low-carbon solutions with environmental benefits for Brazil. We are talking about a project that transforms residues from the sugarcane energy industry into a renewable alternative to fossil gas. In practice, we are combining sustainability, industrial competitiveness, and technological development”, says Alvaro Prata, president of Embrapii.

The initiative also integrates Equinor’s strategy to support the development of innovative solutions for the energy transition and strengthen applied research in Brazil.

“We always say that generating local value means contributing, through our businesses and initiatives, to the development of society. This is exactly what Equinor has been doing in Brazil, by building a broad RD&I portfolio. Celebrating this project, which has the potential to generate significant value for the country, for the academia, and for our company, fills us with pride and aligns with our purpose of transforming natural resources into energy for people and progress for society, always striving for excellence”, says Andrea Achoa, director of Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I) at Equinor.

Project stages

Over the course of its 42-month execution, the project will be divided into different stages aimed at increasing the efficiency of converting organic waste into biomethane. Initially, different pre-treatment methods will be evaluated to help break down more complex structures, increasing the amount of sugars available for biogas production. The next step will focus on improving the anaerobic digestion process by analyzing how the system works and the role of microorganisms, as well as combining different types of residues to increase biogas production and assess the quality of the remaining material.

Subsequently, the project will improve biogas purification by separating methane from other gases, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, ensuring that the final biomethane meets market standards. Finally, the environmental, social, and economic benefits of the process will be analyzed, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving waste management.

The signing ceremony for the cooperation for the development of the project took place during the inauguration of the new headquarters building of CP2B, a research center linked to Unicamp’s Center for Energy Planning (Nipe). The center focuses on research and development of solutions aimed at the sustainable production of biogas, biomethane, and other bioproducts, promoting integration between universities, companies, and the public sector.

“Res2Bio represents an important integration between science and application by bringing together basic research, applied research, and collaboration between universities and companies. From this connection, it is possible to develop cutting-edge science aimed at solving real challenges in the productive sector. This partnership between universities and companies strengthens both sides and highlights how science can concretely contribute to the development of innovative solutions”, concludes Bruna Moraes, director of CP2B.

In addition to the collaboration between LNBR/CNPEM, CP2B/Unicamp, Equinor, and Embrapii, Res2Bio will also have the support of researchers from Aalborg University, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), and the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO).