Argentinas Sustainable Biofuels: less environmental footprint and more added value

There are two great areas where the Argentine bioeconomy has a relevant presence. Argentina has been on a path to transform biomass into increasingly valued products for several years.

From anchoring environmental care and generating development in the regions where the industries that produce these types of bioenergy are established. There are many strengths and opportunities of these technologies.

It’s a sector where an estimated $800 million of investment and about 1,500 direct jobs are estimated.  In these years Argentina imported 17 million tons of diesel, and without its own biodiesel it would have imported 27 million tons. It indicated that this type of industry generated great development in the regions where it was installed; provides high-quality work, technology and development.

The reason for the incorporation of biofuels is the environmental aspect. With this activity Argentina has a great chance of reducing its emissions. Argentina has 10 bioenergy provinces. It is an industry that generates a lot of work, in addition to the environmental benefits. According to studies that were carried out to meet the requirements of the most demanding European organisms, this technology generates a saving of 74% of greenhouse gases compared to the carbon footprint of naphtha.

Specialists indicated that when talking about biofuels we talk about a set of products, and there are also by-products. From the starch of the corn seed, bioethanol is extracted. The rest of the grain, the mocking or the DDGS for animal feed. Carbon dioxide is also captured for the gasified beverage industry, for mining, for fire extinguishers, etc. That’s why we say bioethanol plants are a modern example of the bioeconomy industry.

Biofuels are an excellent way to sustain the value of the chain. In addition to being used as fuel, it is also used as an adjuvant. Bio-Detergents, antifreeze can be made for aircraft wings, and a wide range of products. Glycerine is obtained, from which a chemical oil is configured with several products. It’s a matter of establishing productive links that allow them to move forward.

The most significant thing is emissions savings, because they are using carbon that has been captured through today’s photosynthesis.

Raw materials, in addition to soybeans or maize, can use fatty acids that come from different industries, including used vegetable oils.

A study was carried out in the province of Santa Fe, which was a pioneer with collective trials moved by pure biodiesel. It showed that there is no impact on the engines; trucks or collectives can use biodiesel or diesel. It is a fact that can be used pure and does not create problems.

With regard to foreign trade, the largest exporter of biofuels is the United States, which processes 40% of its maize, and Brazil also stands out. Argentina has exported ethanol to Brazil, Chile, Peru and the European Union. To the EU the quantities are not yet significant, it is 25 thousand cubic meters to Europe. But the future of ethanol is enormous around the world.

Second generation biofuels, the fatty acids left of the discarded oil are converted back into triglycerides in a plant, and this is exported to Europe. There it is used for direct burning for power generation in power plants. Emissions savings, in this case, exceed 90%.

The Argentine opportunity

Argentina is facing a huge opportunity to continue to grow in ethanol production, because it can build more industrial plants in many provinces. In 10 years they can have a more sustainable, clean energy environment.

The world has to go towards green initiatives, which will initially be more expensive and then the price will fall. If you look at the electricity generated with windmills or solar energy you can see how costs went down as the technology matures.