Biofuels are already present in everyday Brazilian life, whether in car fuel tanks, freight transport, or plans for the aviation of the future. Ethanol, biodiesel, and SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) help reduce emissions and diversify the energy mix.
Even so, confusion often arises about how they work, when they make sense, and what their limits are. Below, see three frequent pitfalls — and practical ways to avoid them — without unnecessary technical terms.
Pitfall 1: thinking every biofuel is automatically “clean”
A common mistake is to think that any biofuel always reduces environmental impacts, regardless of how it is produced. In practice, the outcome depends on factors such as the feedstock, land use, and manufacturing process.
In Brazil, there are positive examples, such as sugarcane ethanol with the use of residues. But there are also challenges when production puts pressure on natural areas or uses a lot of fossil energy.
How to avoid this pitfall
- Consider the origin of the fuel and the regional context - Understand that biofuel is not an automatic synonym for zero impact - Value initiatives that use agricultural residues and more efficient processes
Pitfall 2: comparing ethanol and biodiesel as if they were the same thing
Ethanol and biodiesel are often grouped together, but they have different uses and characteristics. Ethanol is more closely linked to light vehicles and the Otto cycle, while biodiesel is blended with diesel used in trucks, buses, and machinery.
Ignoring these differences can create unrealistic expectations about consumption, performance, or availability.
How to avoid this pitfall
- Understand which fuel is compatible with each type of engine - Assess the role of each biofuel in urban transport and freight transport - Recognize that they complement each other rather than compete
Pitfall 3: believing SAF will replace everything quickly
SAF has been gaining space in discussions about aviation decarbonization, but it still faces limitations. Production is complex, available volume is small, and costs are higher than those of traditional fossil fuel.
Expecting a rapid and total replacement can lead to frustration and poorly planned decisions.
How to avoid this pitfall
- View SAF as a gradual solution, not an immediate one - Understand that its adoption depends on scale, technology, and infrastructure - Follow advances without expecting abrupt changes in the short term
The role of biofuels in Brazil’s energy mix
In Brazil, biofuels have an important advantage: they are part of an energy mix that is already more renewable than the world average. They help reduce emissions in sectors that are difficult to electrify and take advantage of the country’s agricultural strengths.
At the same time, they do not solve everything on their own. They work best when integrated with other solutions, such as energy efficiency, electrification, and rational use of resources.
Clear information prevents misguided decisions
Avoiding these pitfalls does not require deep technical knowledge, but rather a more realistic view. Biofuels are relevant allies in Brazil’s energy transition, as long as their limits and possibilities are well understood.
With clear information, it becomes easier to see where ethanol, biodiesel, and SAF truly make a difference — and where there are still challenges to face.
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