Challenges for biogas production and use in Brazil and lessons to learn from Denmark

Nowadays, there are not so many experiences with biogas conversion to energy in Brazil. However, there are several initiatives from state governments aiming to incentivize the injection of biomethane into the natural gas grid. Recently, the Federal Regulatory Agency for Oil and Biofuels (ANP) has defined parameters for quality control of biomethane from landfills and sewage stations to be used in the transport sector, as well as for residential, industrial and commercial uses all over the country. On the other hand, a new Danish legislation from 2012 has formed a new growth momentum to upgrade and integrate biomethane in the natural gas grid for industrial and transportation utilisation. This experience and gained knowledge could be applied to the Brazilian scenario. We also analyse the feasibility of using co-digestion and integrate large-scale biogas plants to sugarcane mills, addressing the environmental issues that appear. This study shows that there is a need for further case studies and demonstration plants to overcome technological, political, economic and cultural challenges.