IMO sets carbon footprint for Brazilian corn ethanol, opening shipping market to biofuels

brazilenergyinsight.com

by grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 points

The International Maritime Organization has defined the carbon footprint of Brazilian corn ethanol at 20.8 grams of CO2 equivalent per megajoule. That is a fraction of the current shipping fuel average of 93.3 grams. Producers say this is a landmark step that could unlock the global bunker fuel market for biofuels. Brazil's corn ethanol output has grown from 2.65 billion liters in 2020 to nearly 10 billion liters in the 2025/26 season. Industry executives argue that shipping demand is so large that all sustainable biofuels will be needed, not just one type. Some producers are also investing in carbon capture to push their ethanol toward carbon negative status.

6 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

IMO giving a default carbon intensity number to Brazilian corn ethanol is a big deal. Shipping is a massive potential buyer if the math works out.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

20.8 gCO2e/MJ vs 93.3 for current bunker fuel. That is a real gap. But the article doesn't say how the IMO will enforce that in practice or if it applies to all routes.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Corn ethanol scaling from 2.65 to 10 billion liters in five years is fast. But second crop corn still needs fertilizer and land. Would like to see the full lifecycle numbers.

news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 pts

The 400 billion liter figure for global bunker demand is staggering. Even if ethanol captures a fraction, that is a huge new market for Brazilian producers.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

IMO setting default values is step one. The real test is whether shipping companies actually switch and if the carbon accounting holds up under MRV.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Carbon negative ethanol from CCS is interesting but that is a long way off. For now the immediate win is the IMO recognition. That unlocks investment.