Title:
A Critical Review of the Energy Potential from Harvest Residues: Insights from a Case Study from the Pampa Biome in Brazil
Author(s):
de Freitas Moura, R., El Assad, B.M., Pereira de Souza Bezerra, B., Hoffmann Daflon, B.S., Teixeira Ferreira da Silva, F., Cunha Malagueta, D., Michels Bianchi, F., Silva Moura, P.R., Fernandes de Aquino, T., Salem Szklo, A., Schaeffer, R., Bueno Scivittaro, W., Andres, A.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Bioenergy scenarios often assign an important role to harvest residues, yet the estimated energy potential of these resources varies widely depending on assumptions regarding residue-to-product ratios, recoverability, competing uses, and sustainability constraints. This paper critically reviews widely cited studies on the global and regional biomass potentials, with particular attention to the contribution of harvest residues. It examines the Pampa Biome in southern Brazil as a case study to test whether commonly adopted assumptions on residue availability are consistent with local agronomic realities. Our analysis shows that while theoretical calculations indicate substantial sustainable biomass availability for co-firing around the coal-fired power plant in Candiota city reaching 1300 GW, this potential declines to zero when local soil conditions and no-till farming practices are considered. In the study region, crop residues are essential for soil conservation and are therefore not available for energy use without compromising agricultural sustainability. Downstream agro-industrial residues, especially rice husks, appear more promising than field residues, although existing competing uses also limit significantly their effective availability. Given that influential policy-orienting publications present harvest residues as an important component of biomass supply, it is essential to develop a more robust understanding of the real sustainable biomass potential, particularly in regions considered highly relevant for future biomass provision such as Brazil.
Keywords:
agricultural residues, sustainability, soil fertility, tropical regions, energy potential
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Biomass resources and potentials
Event:
34th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1CV.2.20
Pages:
121 - 132
ISBN:
978-88-89407-27-1
Paper DOI:
10.5071/34thEUBCE2026-1CV.2.20
Price:
FREE
