From Waste to Wheels: International Study Identifies Biomethane as Key Solution for Transport Decarbonization

Commissioned by Instituto MBCBrasil, the study highlights global deployment opportunities and positions Brazil as a leader in renewable fuel technology SãO PAULO, SãO PAULO, BRAZIL, September 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Biomethane has emerged as one of the most immediate, mature, and cost-effective solutions for decarbonizing road transport, particularly in heavy-duty and long-haul freight. This is a core finding 'From Waste to Wheels – Turning organic waste into renewable fuel for transport', a new international literature review commissioned by Instituto MBCBrasil and authored by leading researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP), Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI), Agronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC), and Mauá Institute of Technology. Covering mature and emerging markets across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa, the study demonstrates that biomethane — produced through anaerobic digestion of organic residues such as vinasse, manure, municipal waste, and sewage — combines greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions with energy security and circular economy benefits. A Global Industrial Movement Biomethane is produced in roughly 40 countries and used in transport in nearly 30 markets. Globally, sustainable biogas and biomethane potential reaches 1 trillion m³ per year — equivalent to 25% of total global natural gas demand. Demonstrating its strategic importance, the European Union aims for 35 billion m³ (bcm) of annual biomethane production by 2030 under REPowerEU. Meanwhile, the U.S. operates 470 renewable natural gas (RNG) projects, and India counts 7.7 million gas-powered vehicles. 'We gathered evidence from dozens of international and Brazilian sources to demonstrate how biomethane drives transport decarbonization on a global scale,' says Professor Gláucia Mendes Souza (USP), leader of IEA Bioenergy Task 39 and co-author. 'The fuel is a mature, viable solution. Beyond producing fuel, Brazil can lead the supply of technology, equipment, and engineering solutions to other markets seeking to decarbonize.' The Brazilian Opportunity: Energy & Tech Exports Brazil holds one of the world's largest supplies of agro-industrial feedstocks. In the sugarcane sector alone, biomethane potential is estimated at 41.4 billion m³ annually (equivalent to 41 billion liters of diesel), of which less than 2% is currently utilized. This creates a twofold opportunity: supplying domestic clean energy and exporting accumulated know-how. Brazilian industry has developed advanced vertical biodigesters, gas purification systems, and bio-LNG transport logistics, positioning the country as a strategic equipment and engineering exporter for Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Climate Impact and Economics Replacing diesel with biomethane in heavy-duty transport cuts well-to-wheel CO₂-equivalent emissions by 45% to 75%. When accounting for avoided fugitive methane from waste, net emissions can reach as low as -246% compared to diesel. Financially, biomethane is already cost-competitive. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) simulations for heavy-duty freight fleets in Brazil show: • LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas): US$ 1.59 / km • CNG / Biomethane: US$ 1.73 / km • Diesel: US$ 1.87 / km In mature markets, 20% to 60% of a plant's revenue comes from non-fuel sources, including waste treatment (US$ 1–6/GJ), biofertilizer sales (US$ 0.5–4/GJ), and carbon credits (US$ 1–8/GJ) — transforming biomethane facilities into multi-product biorefineries. Operational Milestones and Regulation Commercial facilities using vinasse and sugarcane residues are already operating in Brazil at sites including Cocal, Raízen, São Martinho, and Adecoagro. Landfill projects, such as the Paulínia facility (up to 225,000 Nm³/day), and urban bus fleet conversions in Goiânia further demonstrate commercial scalability. The study coincides with the enactment of Brazil's Fuel of the Future Law (Law No. 14,993/2024), which created the Biomethane Certificate of Origin (CGOB) to support mandatory emission reduction targets for natural gas, starting at 0.5% in 2026 and reaching 10%. 'Biomethane is a global reality ready for deployment at scale,' states José Eduardo Luzzi, Chairman of the Board of Instituto MBCBrasil. 'This study reinforces Brazil's position not only as a supplier of clean energy, but as an exporter of technology and innovation for the energy transition.' About Instituto MBCBrasil Instituto MBCBrasil is a multisectoral organization dedicated to accelerating transport decarbonization through evidence-based public policies and technology neutrality, integrating biofuels, electrification, and renewable energy sources. For more information, visit the Instituto MBCBrasil Website or follow on LinkedIn and YouTube. Media Inquiries / Press Contacts: Máquina Agency | mbcbrasil@agenciamaquina.com Adriana Monori: +55 11 61 9999-1900 Daniela Mesquita: +55 11 91043-6780 Documentary by Instituto MBCBrasil follows biomethane production at the Cocal's mill in Narandiba, SP, turning sugarcane waste into renewable fuel Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. 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