Etanol 2G: Processo produtivo e seu contexto atual no Brasil

Abstract

Due to the worsening of climate change and environmental damage in the 21st century, renewable sources are gaining a lot of strength as an alternative to fossil sources, used on a large scale, which contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Renewable sources, whose current matrix in Brazil already represents about 45% of energy generation, are highlighted by biofuels. The fuel from biomass saw its production be boosted from the 1970s onwards, with the creation of strategic programs and the construction of a favorable environment, fostered by the government. In this context, bioethanol appears, produced from the concentrated sugarcane juice and with already mature processing technologies. In contrast, second generation ethanol exploits sugarcane bagasse and straw, which are normally burned for energy cogeneration, but which has recently been attracting interest in the sugar and alcohol sector, since together they hold two thirds of the plant's energy potential. However, the product presents production technologies that are still under development, from a commercial scale perspective. This is due to the obstacles presented by the pre-treatment and hydrolysis steps of the lignocellulosic material, in the sense of exposing cellulose to attack by the enzyme complex. Countless processing routes are developed, having this as the main challenge for the consolidation of 2G ethanol in the market. Through a bibliographic review, this paper aims to discuss the stages of the lignocellulosic ethanol production process, with its advantages, disadvantages and challenges. It should be noted that, in addition to scientific obstacles, their production also generates social discussion, due to the existence of a competition with food production, with the demand for extensive arable land.