Panorama sobre a utilização do bagaço da cana-de-açúcar como fonte de geração de energia elétrica

Abstract

Currently, there is an intense discussion about environmental problems, such as consumerism, which causes, for example, the increased pollution of soil, air and water. In relation to water resources, its indiscriminate use imposes the need to ration them. Thus, sustainable alternatives to electric power generation are increasing, especially after problems related to energy rationing faced by Brazil due to lack of rainfall, combined with inadequate management and indiscriminate use of resources. The burning of sugarcane bagasse is one of these alternative ways of generating energy, a process that is already being done by sugarcane industry in this country. The investment in the sale of their surplus energy can help significantly to complement the energy from hydroelectric plants, which are the main Brazil's energy matrix. The purpose of this study was to discuss about the use of sugarcane bagasse as an alternative source in electric power generation, evaluating the advantages and disadvantages in the production of energy and discussing about the current and potential uses of sugarcane bagasse in energy production in the region of Dourados (state of Mato Grosso do Sul - Brazil). To achieve these goals, we used three data collection instruments: technical visits to sugar cane plants, sending electronic questionnaire to companies and querying of data in the sites of the plants. Being successful just on the last instrument, it was verified by data about production of sugar, ethanol and bio-energy that sugarcane industries have great potential in generating and exporting their surplus energy, although many of them still don't realize this process. It was also noted that, due to the crisis in the sugar-alcohol sector, the sale of electric power has been increasingly used by plants as an alternative to generating profit.