Exploring the bioelectricity potential of Brazilian biorefineries

Much has been studied about improving the generation of surplus power in sugarcane processing facilities, especially considering the modernization of cogeneration systems. However, an analysis that evaluates the country’s potential surplus power generation using real generation data of individual facilities and also assesses the techno-economic viability of the modernizations in different regions is still lacking. Therefore, firstly, this work characterizes the operational parameters, surplus electricity generation, and its potential through the analysis of hourly generation data of individual sugarcane processing facilities. Projections are used to evaluate the increase in generation due to modernization of cogeneration systems. Secondly, a technical economic viability, costs, and revenue comparison between traditional and modern facilities is performed. Finally, three case studies considered overhauling operating facilities in different regions of the country with the aim of assessing the viability of the projects. The results indicate that in the best scenario, Brazil has the potential to more than double its bioelectric power generation by modernizing the cogeneration systems of existing units, a 67 TWh increase in annual generation in the upper limit scenario. The increase in surplus generation in modern facilities increases revenue and helps balance the income composition, increasing the share of bioelectricity in total revenues by 6.3%. The case studies showed a positive incremental net present value of 8.4 MUSD for the Arez plant, showing that modernization is the most economically viable in facilities that currently sell little or no electricity to the grid.