Petrobras has signed a cooperation agreement with American technology outfit KIOR to develop the Biomass Catalytic Cracking (BCC) process, a bio-oil production technology. By doing so, the company seeks to consolidate new production routes for second generation biofuel, i.e., biofuel derived residues.
This is yet another action Petrobras takes to increase its business’ sustainability. Second generation biofuels do not compete with food crops, since the raw material used to produce it is harvesting waste that would otherwise be discarded. Additionally, this initiative also seeks the long-term introduction of renewable fuels in the Brazilian power matrix.
The Cenpes has been studying biomass processing to generate bio-oil from sugarcane straw residues since 2006. Bench tests have already been undertaken, and pilot plant studies are currently in progress. The first semi-industrial unit tests are scheduled for 2009.
Produced from raw materials such sawdust, switch grass and, especially, sugarcane straw or bagasse, bio-oil, also known as bio-crude, is the product of the quick biomass pyrolysis process.
