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Sugarcane Bioelectricity Supply in Brazil: A Regional Concentration and Structural Analysis

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  • Luiz Moreira Coelho Junior

    (Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil)

  • Brunna Hillary Calixto de Oliveira

    (Low Carbon Economy Laboratory (LECO 2 ), Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil)

  • Ingryd Yohane Bezerra Almeida Santos

    (Low Carbon Economy Laboratory (LECO 2 ), Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil)

  • Vanessa Batista Schramm

    (Development of Systems for Supporting Sustainable Decisions (DeSiDeS), Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Campina Grande 58429-900, PB, Brazil)

  • Fernando Schramm

    (Development of Systems for Supporting Sustainable Decisions (DeSiDeS), Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Campina Grande 58429-900, PB, Brazil)

  • Felipe Firmino Diniz

    (Graduate Program in Renewable Energy (PPGER), Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil)

  • Edvaldo Pereira Santos Júnior

    (Graduate Program in Energy and Nuclear Technologies (PROTEN), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife 50740-545, PE, Brazil)

Abstract

Sugarcane products come from agro-industrial biomass that is increasingly used in the Brazilian energy matrix, which is important for the sustainability and diversification of renewable energy sources. This article examines the concentration and structure of the supply of sugarcane bioelectricity in Brazil from 1975 to 2023. It uses information on the quantity and cumulative licensed potential of sugarcane-based thermoelectric plants in operation, available from the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) through its Generation Information System (SIGA). To measure regional concentration, the study considered geographical areas (large regions, states, intermediate regions and municipalities) using the following concentration indicators: the Concentration Ratio, Herfindahl–Hirschman Index, Theil Entropy, Comprehensive Concentration Index, and Hall–Tideman Index. The main results show a high concentration of sugarcane bioelectricity at regional and state levels, with a predominance in the Southeast-Central-West axis. During the period analyzed, the State of São Paulo remained the leader in terms of energy generated by sugarcane thermoelectric plants operating in Brazil. In the intermediate regions, the concentration was moderate, while at the municipal level, the concentration was low, indicating a highly competitive market. It can be concluded that the areas with the highest concentration are strategic for directing investments and guiding public policies for the sugarcane bioelectricity sector, which are priority locations for new opportunities. The identification of the most promising regions contributes to a more efficient development of the sector. Given that, a more equitable distribution of bioelectricity production across the country could enhance Brazil’s energy security, reduce regional vulnerabilities, and promote more resilient energy systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Luiz Moreira Coelho Junior & Brunna Hillary Calixto de Oliveira & Ingryd Yohane Bezerra Almeida Santos & Vanessa Batista Schramm & Fernando Schramm & Felipe Firmino Diniz & Edvaldo Pereira Santos Júni, 2025. "Sugarcane Bioelectricity Supply in Brazil: A Regional Concentration and Structural Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-21, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:3780-:d:1640007
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    References listed on IDEAS

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