Potential for the energetic use of agricultural waste produced in the Brazilian Mid-west

Abstract

Brazil has consolidated its position as a major producer and exporter of agricultural products and is featured in several grain crops. However, the country still underutilizes the waste from this activity, which could be efficiently used in the energy system in rural areas. The present work calculates the potential of electric energy generation using biomass from the agricultural residues produced in the Centro- Oeste region of Brazil. The results indicate that there are the equivalent of three Itaipú mills not yet used in the region. However, only 9.1% of the potential can be harnessed until 2024, given the limitations imposed by the available transmission system. Thus, the reuse of agricultural waste to produce bioenergy is extremely viable, generating savings, reducing environmental liabilities and adding value to the agricultural production chain of the Centro-Oeste region.