Sugarcane energy sector celebrates decree on biomethane

Bioenergia Brasil and the Sugarcane and Bioenergy Industry Union (Unica) highlighted the importance of the decree published by the Federal Government that regulates the National Program for Decarbonization of Natural Gas Producers and Importers and Incentives for Biomethane, provided for in Law No. 14.993/2024. The initiative is part of the legal framework of the Fuel of the Future program and establishes guidelines to expand the use of renewable sources in the country.

The decree provides for the creation of the Biomethane Origin Guarantee Certificate (CGOB), a tool that will allow for tracking the production chain, facilitate compliance with emissions reduction targets, and encourage voluntary decarbonization initiatives. According to the entities, the measure consolidates Brazil's position at the forefront of the global energy transition by establishing mandatory decarbonization targets for the natural gas sector, with an emphasis on the progressive use of biomethane.

The sugar-energy sector is seen as a key player in this process, as it holds the greatest potential for biomethane production from agro-industrial byproducts such as vinasse and filter cake. According to Unica and Bioenergia Brasil, the use of biomethane strengthens the circular economy, generates jobs, attracts investment, and increases national competitiveness, while directly contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The program's regulation, scheduled to begin in 2026, is considered a milestone in the consolidation of a diversified, resilient, and low-carbon energy matrix. For the sector, the measure reinforces Brazil's leading role in developing sustainable solutions based on advanced bioenergy.