The legal framework for biogas in Brazil: pathways to sustainable and efficient production

Abstract

Brazil is a signatory to international agreements that oblige it to meet decarbonization targets as good environmental practice. Thus, encouraging the generation of biogas, which originates from waste (biomass), such as agribusiness waste, through public policies and regulatory adjustments, is a priority. This article aims to understand whether legislation can influence the increase in biogas plants and production in Brazil, and consequently the expansion of this renewable energy source and the reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG). The hypothesis is that there is a correlation between public policies through regulations and the expansion of biogas in Brazil’s energy matrix. This is an exploratory study based on documentary analysis. The results indicate that legislation impacts the growth in the number of facilities and biogas production, demonstrating the agribusiness sector’s potential to lead renewable fuel production and contribute to mitigating GHG emissions.