Title:
Advancing RenovaCalc: The Brazilian Tool for Calculating the Carbon Intensity of Sustainable Fuels in Alignment with International Policies
Author(s):
Gonzales, T.S., Lamas, G.C., Ciribelli Santos Pompêu, G., Sabaini, P.S., Guiducci, R.C.N., Schultz, E.L., Pighinelli, A.L.M.T., Folegatti, M.I., Silveira, E.A.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The sustainability of the aviation sector demands innovations in biofuel production. In response, Brazil’s RenovaBio program, National Biofuels Policy, developed RenovaCalc, a tool that estimates the carbon intensity of renewable fuels throughout their life cycle. RenovaCalc includes different modules designed to assess specific technological pathways. Among them, the HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) module focuses on the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) derived from vegetable oils or residual fats. This study presents a recent update to this module, which now incorporates new feedstock profiles (palm and corn, besides soybean) for SAF production. The study compares the results obtained using the RenovaCalc methodology with the reference values provided in the core LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) documentation from CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation), reinforcing the importance of harmonizing national and international approaches to carbon intensity assessment. The paper also discusses the regulatory differences between RenovaBio and CORSIA, highlighting aspects such as feedstock eligibility, carbon credits, land-use criteria, and sustainability requirements.
Keywords:
regulatory frameworks, life cycle assessment (LCA), carbon intensity, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), decarbonization strategies, renewable energy policy
Topic:
Sustainability, Impacts, Policies and Systems Analysis
Subtopic:
Environmental impacts
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
2AV.3.7
Pages:
299 - 304
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-2AV.3.7
Price:
FREE
