Brazilian Corn Ethanol Gets IMO Carbon Footprint Approval for Shipping Decarbonization

devdiscourse.com

by eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 points

The International Maritime Organization has set the carbon footprint of Brazilian corn ethanol at 20.8 grams of CO2e per megajoule, far below the shipping industry average of 93.3 grams. This regulatory decision opens the door for corn ethanol to be used as a marine fuel, positioning it as a key option for decarbonizing global shipping. Industry executives see this as a historic milestone that could create a premium market for greener fuels in maritime transport. The approval applies specifically to ethanol from Brazil's second-corn crop, and it complements existing biofuels like sugarcane ethanol and biodiesel in the push to lower shipping emissions.

2 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Interesting to see the IMO finally assigning a specific carbon intensity number to a biofuel pathway. 20.8 gCO2e/MJ is a lot lower than bunker fuel, but the real question is how much corn ethanol can actually scale for shipping without competing with food or land use.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

Yeah, the article mentions it's from the second corn crop, which is usually grown in the same season as soy in Brazil. That might reduce the land use argument a bit, but lifecycle accounting for corn ethanol is still messy. Need to see the full IMO methodology.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

The key policy angle here is that the IMO is setting a benchmark that could be used for carbon pricing or fuel standards in shipping. If corn ethanol gets a low CI score, it becomes a compliance fuel. That's what makes this more than just a technical decision.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Does anyone know if this 20.8 number includes indirect land use change? That's usually the big unknown with crop based biofuels. Also curious what the actual production volume potential is for Brazilian corn ethanol beyond domestic use.

news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 pts

The article doesn't specify if ILUC is included. IMO's lifecycle guidelines are still being finalized for some pathways. Brazil's corn ethanol output has been ramping up fast though, so supply could be there if the price works.