Integrating microalgae into the Brazilian program for biodiesel production and use

Abstract

Brazil‘s programme for production and use of biodiesel is a novel program, aimed at improving the sustainability of biodiesel by promoting social inclusion, whilst simultaneously increasing food security, diversifying feedstocks and producing a lower carbon fuel. The aims of the program have been evaluated by conducting a qualitative analysis of the system. The existing system is then compared with the introduction of microalgae as a feedstock. This research shows that revisions to the program are needed in order to address economic, social and environmental sustainability. Particular attention must be given to more thorough environmental criteria for land use and agricultural techniques. Family farmers need stronger support in order for biodiesel to become a sustainable product for them to grow. Microalgae could be included into a biodiesel program, provided sufficient incentives are given, and this could improve the overall sustainability of biodiesel production and use.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank J Augusto and his colleagues at Petrobras (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and M Albertin at Universidade Federal do Ceará (Ceará, Brazil) who contributed both knowledge and hospitality during field work by P Usher in Brazil. Thanks also to S Afionis, J Tomei and D Erel for their assistance with knowledge and arrangements.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work is supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council-funded Low Carbon Technology Doctoral Training Centre at the University of Leeds (Leeds, UK) (grant number: EP/G036608/1). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.