Bagasse Utilization and Management Strategies in São Paulo Sugarcane Mills

Abstract

This thesis explores the utilization of sugarcane bagasse in São Paulo state, Brazil. Bagasse, a byproduct of sugarcane processing, is a crucial source of bioelectricity in Brazil, with variations in its use across different mills due to differences in cogeneration efficiency. Bagasse also attracts interest from EU companies to be used for BECCS. For the commercialization of this product, it is important for displacement issues to be avoided. This study examines current and potential utilization of sugarcane bagasse in São Paulo state, Brazil to determine the feasibility of freeing up bagasse.

The study begins with a comprehensive overview of the sugar cane sector in Sao Paolo including the variations in cogeneration efficiency of bagasse between mills, other sources of sugarcane bioelectricity in the mills and alternative uses of sugarcane bagasse. São Paulo's sugarcane mills produce approximately 100 million tons of bagasse annually, with the greatest portion (approximately 80%) used for bioelectricity for self-sufficiency of the mills and surplus electricity for the grid, highlighting its importance in Brazil's energy mix. To increase the availability of bagasse for commercialization, the research identifies three main strategies: improving cogeneration efficiency, utilizing sugarcane straw, and producing biogas from vinasse. Among these, efficiency improvements hold the greatest potential to free up bagasse, especially in mills with lower boiler pressures. The study also explores potential future uses of bagasse, such as sustainable aviation fuels and biochemicals, which could compete with current applications but are not expected to be immediate concerns.

The findings suggest that by adopting these strategies, substantial amounts of bagasse could be freed up for other uses without compromising its essential role in energy generation for the self-sufficiency of the mills and the surplus electricity exported to the Brazilian grid.