Global Energy Transition and the Biomass Paradox

Abstract

Global energy transition can be described as a process where fossil fuels are replaced with renewable and low-carbon energy sources to achieve climate change, energy security and sustainability objectives. The objective of the study was to explore biomass-based bioproducts in the framework of global energy transition and sustainability paradox. This study utilizes a mixed-method research design to investigate the prospects of biomass bioproducts based on sugarcane to effectively address the question of the potential to replace fossil-based fuels in the global energy transition. Thematic analysis of qualitative data, provided by scientific literature, expert interviews, and policy reports, helps to comprehend technological tendencies and attitudes of the stakeholders. Statistical instruments are applied to provide the model of quantitative data, which is technical and economic indicators to determine efficiency, cost and scalability. The findings presented by the study emphasize the technical and economic feasibility of biomass-based bioproducts in the context of energy transition on the globe. Technical-Economic Analysis (TEA) demonstrated attractive indicators: a pulp plant had the profit margin of 49%, the ROI of 13.47, and the payback period of 7.42 years; the energy cogeneration generated R$16.3 million income; the production of sorbitol expressed the profit margin of 51, the ROI of 12.37, and the payback of 8 years, testifying to the long-term profitability and sustainability. This study illustrated how the global energy shift though motivated by climate, economic and geopolitical factors, have opened opportunities and contradictions- particularly when one looks at the problem via the prism of biomass-based solutions.