CO ₂ Emissions Mitigation Analysis Due to The Use of Biodiesel on Heavy-Duty Vehicles in Brazil

In 2020, 3.6 million of heavy-duty vehicles operate in Brazil transporting 1,548 billion TKU goods and 2,372 million passengers every year. 45.1 billion of liters of Diesel are consumed per year emitting 185.3 million tons of CO₂ to atmosphere. Transportation is one of largest sectors of society in CO₂ emissions, being responsible of 8.6% of GHG. In Brazil, heavy vehicles predominantly are powered by fossil fuels. Huge efforts have been displayed by the scientific community to mitigate GHG emissions. Brazil has signed the term of COP 26 establishing a goal to reduce GHG emissions in 50% until 2030. Heavy duty vehicles are responsible of emitting 49.9% of CO₂ of the transportation sector. The emissions standards of Brazilian legislations have decreased the limits of NOx, PM, CO in 75, 94 and 63% since 2000 were PROCONVE P2 have stabilized the first emissions limits for heavy-duty vehicles. On January 1st of 2023 the 8th phase of PROCONVE (P8) will set stricter limits to heavy duty vehicle emissions, becoming equivalent to the European Limits ruled by Euro VI. Strict limits imposed by law have made a huge contribution to reduce emissions and further progress in this matter must come from a different path. Battery energy store capacity associated with long charging time, cost, life and weight make the electrification of heavy-duty vehicles unfeasible. It is also important to point out that 64% global of electricity comes from fossil fuels. Considering that Brazil solar radiation average is 4800 Wh/m2 of solar radiation and there is 188.7 million of ha available for agriculture, great attention must be given to biofuels derived from biomass. This paper presents an analysis of biodiesel potential to mitigate emissions and GHG. A balance of CO₂ emissions over the entire cycle of biodiesel production and consumption is presented. The result of this study shows that the use of biodiesel has the potential of reducing 72% of GHG emitted by heavy duty vehicles. This reduction would represent 4% of the goal established at COP 26 by Brazil.