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Implications of regional N2O–N emission factors on sugarcane ethanol emissions and granted decarbonization certificates

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  • Carvalho, João Luís Nunes
  • Oliveira, Bruna Gonçalves
  • Cantarella, Heitor
  • Chagas, Matheus Ferreira
  • Gonzaga, Leandro Carolino
  • Lourenço, Késia Silva
  • Bordonal, Ricardo Oliveira
  • Bonomi, Antonio

Abstract

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by substituting fossil fuels depends on how biofuels are produced and how emissions are calculated. Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from synthetic and organic N fertilizers are important sources of GHG from sugarcane ethanol. This study aimed to synthesize the literature information and derive regional N2O emissions factors (EFs) for N fertilizers according to Tier 2 approach. This study also evaluated how the use of Tier 2 affects emissions compared with those obtained by the IPCC Tier 1. Moreover, this study examined how N fertilizers can affect GHG emissions and the earning of decarbonization certificates (CBIOs) by ethanol producers. For an ethanol distillery producing 339 million liters annually, the use of Tier 1 and Tier 2 resulted in emissions of 176.5 and 145.2 Gg CO2eq, whereas for the same amount of energy, gasoline would emit 661.8 Gg CO2eq. The addition of nitrification inhibitors (NIs) to N fertilizers and improvements in vinasse/fertilizer management further reduced emissions compared with Tier 2. In Tier 1, the GHG emission savings would result 485,270 CBIOs, worth 4.85 million US$ at US$10 per CBIO. But if the IPCC Tier 2 is considered, the annual CBIOs would be worth 5.17 million US$. Using NIs and improving vinasse/fertilizer management may bring an additional US$ 31,700 and US$ 48,000 revenue above that of Tier 2. Public and sectorial policies behind decarbonization certificates can encourage farmers and decision-makers to pursue more efficient and economical solutions to further decrease GHG emissions and improve the sustainability of ethanol.

Suggested Citation

  • Carvalho, João Luís Nunes & Oliveira, Bruna Gonçalves & Cantarella, Heitor & Chagas, Matheus Ferreira & Gonzaga, Leandro Carolino & Lourenço, Késia Silva & Bordonal, Ricardo Oliveira & Bonomi, Antonio, 2021. "Implications of regional N2O–N emission factors on sugarcane ethanol emissions and granted decarbonization certificates," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:149:y:2021:i:c:s1364032121007061
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111423
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hoefnagels, Ric & Smeets, Edward & Faaij, André, 2010. "Greenhouse gas footprints of different biofuel production systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 14(7), pages 1661-1694, September.
    2. Deepak Jaiswal & Amanda P. De Souza & Søren Larsen & David S. LeBauer & Fernando E. Miguez & Gerd Sparovek & Germán Bollero & Marcos S. Buckeridge & Stephen P. Long, 2017. "Brazilian sugarcane ethanol as an expandable green alternative to crude oil use," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 7(11), pages 788-792, November.
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    1. Canabarro, N.I. & Silva-Ortiz, P. & Nogueira, L.A.H. & Cantarella, H. & Maciel-Filho, R. & Souza, G.M., 2023. "Sustainability assessment of ethanol and biodiesel production in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Guatemala," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    2. Sumitkumar, Rathor & Al-Sumaiti, Ameena Saad, 2024. "Shared autonomous electric vehicle: Towards social economy of energy and mobility from power-transportation nexus perspective," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 197(C).

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