Study carried out by CNPEM evaluates the potential of sugarcane-derived microbial oil
Research by the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) points out that aviation fuel obtained from microbial oil has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50%. Published in Bioresource Technology, the study shows that sugarcane-derived microbial oil can offer a viable alternative to currently used fossil fuel.
The study analyzed the conversion of microbial oil into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through the hydroprocessing process of esters and fatty acids (known as HEFA). The estimate is that Brazil could meet its internal demand for aviation fuel by planting sugar cane in degraded pasture areas only, without affecting agricultural production currently destined for food or ethanol.
Researcher Tassia Lopes Junqueira, who coordinated the study at CNPEM’s LNBR (Brazilian Biorenewables National Laboratory), explains that, despite being more expensive than kerosene, SAF produced from microbial oil responds to the aviation sector’s urgency in meeting sustainability goals, that involve significant carbon emission reductions, from 2027 to 2050.
The researcher further adds that advances in biotechnology, crucial to improving the fermentation process, will make the product cost more competitive. ”As we have great biodiversity in the country, microorganisms and enzymes prospecting can drive significant advances in the development of technology.”
The study also points out the impact of improvements in the production process. “If it is possible to reduce fermentation time or increase the amount of oil accumulated in cells, for example, there will be a reduction in the required volume of reactors for the process, which has a major impact on manufacturing costs”, adds researcher Isabelle Sampaio.
The technology has the potential to gradually replace feedstock extracted from traditional oilseeds, such as soy and palm, often associated with deforestation and biodiversity loss. Microbial oil made from sugarcane would reduce these land use-related impacts, presenting a productivity per area around four times greater than that of soybean oil.
Researcher Andressa Neves Marchesan highlights that microbial oil processing could benefit from the infrastructure already installed in the country. “The oil-to-fuel conversion process can use the same catalysts as in petroleum refineries. The same technology can still be used for the production of green diesel, expanding the technology’s economic impacts and its relevance for reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector”.
