Desenvolvimento sustentavel : uma analise do alcool como alternativa energetica

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

1999

RESUMO

World energetic matrix based on combustible fossils, more importantly oil has shown signs of unsustainability. The reasons for this are related to both production structure, which needs to be diversified as to incorporate new sources of energy, and also to the actual pattern of consumption. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that humankind evolution will in the future depend on the capacity of creating new mechanisms for a sustainable development. The main purpose of this thesis is to analyse the substitution process of a non-renewable resource, say oil, by an altemative renewable one, namely alcohol ftom sugar cane. The basic assumption, as it is argued, is that in the present energetic transition process, Brazil cannot afford to miss the potentials generated by the alcohol alternative, even though its use has been basicaly as fuel for transportation. In the first chapter the question of sustainability was discussed ftom a theoretical perspective. The world s energy current situation is analysed in the second chapter, followed by a discussion in chapter 3, ofthe main features, resources, handicaps and potentials of the Brazilian energetic matrix. Chapter 4 contains an investigation of a Brazilian project designed to produce alcohol ftom sugar cane. Basically, the analysis of that project carried out in this thesis aimed only to reveal its more important aspects in the light of the substitution process of alcohol for petrol, as an important strategy for a sustainable development. It is important to point out though that a thorough assessment of the alcohol program is not an objective of this thesis. In the conclusion emphasis is given to the transition process undergone by both the world as well as the Brazilian energetic matrixes. Furthermore, it is argued that energy policies should be progressively oriented towards renewable sources, as illustrated by the implementation of the Brazilian alcohol project. As part of this argument in favour of this altemative, the activity based on alcohol has created more jobs and has been less expensive to implement than other possible altematives. Moreover, evidences shown in this thesis reaveal a decreasing trend in alcohol production cost as compared to oil and petrol. The alleged financial limitation of the alcohol program seems not to hold true any longer, unless in isolated situations. By any means, the main reason to invest in this program is that alcohol is renewable, whereas petrol is produced from a fossil source. From the environmental point of view, the production of alcohol is less harmful, both because the level of emission is smaller than petrol and because sugarcane plantations can minimise the global warming effects. Finally, by-products of alcohol industry, like residual liquor and bagasse have become economic resources as raw material and fertiliser in farming activity. Based on the arguments produced by this investigation, alcohol production should be stimulated and supported by the entire society, and those involved in the industry should invest in efficiency and innovation in all stages of production

ASSUNTO(S)

combustiveis liquidos desenvolvimento sustentavel alcool como combustivel desenvolvimento energetico

ACESSO AO ARTIGO

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