Fapesp

FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

News

SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy

News

SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy

Novel technique developed to obtain key chemical industry input without emitting CO2
SDG 7, SDG 13
Novel technique developed to obtain key chemical industry input without emitting CO2

Hydrogen peroxide is used to sterilize medical equipment, to bleach fabric, pulp and paper, and whiten teeth, among other applications.


Brazilian scientists reveal method of converting methane gas into liquid methanol
SDG 7
Brazilian scientists reveal method of converting methane gas into liquid methanol

The strategy was tested at the Federal University of São Carlos. The conversion took place under ambient temperature and pressure conditions, which could enable methane, a potent greenhouse gas, to be used to produce fuel. The process currently used by the chemical industry consumes large amounts of energy.


Enzymes discovered in capybara gut can accelerate utilization of agroindustrial waste
SDG 7, SDG 9
Enzymes discovered in capybara gut can accelerate utilization of agroindustrial waste

Brazilian researchers discovered, characterized and validated the functions of two novel enzyme families with biotechnological potential.


“Prof. U.E. Stumpf” Engineering Research Center helps orient Stellantis’s decisions on ethanol in Brazil
SDG 7, SDG 9
“Prof. U.E. Stumpf” Engineering Research Center helps orient Stellantis’s decisions on ethanol in Brazil

The automotive giant resulting from the PSA-Fiat Chrysler merger is partnering with FAPESP in this ERC, which is integrated with Stellantis’s global network of science labs.


Citrus canker bacterium can be an ally in biorenewables manufacturing
SDG 7, SDG 9
Citrus canker bacterium can be an ally in biorenewables manufacturing

A study led by Brazilian scientists revealed the biological process used by Xanthomonas to weaken the defenses of plants and discovered a novel class of enzyme that can be used to obtain advanced sugars from agroindustrial waste.


Enzyme from Amazon fungus could enhance efficiency of second-generation ethanol production
SDG 7
Enzyme from Amazon fungus could enhance efficiency of second-generation ethanol production

The molecule described by Brazilian researchers in the journal Scientific Reports acts on different sugars present in several sources of plant biomass, making it attractive to other industries as well.


Duckweed and Amazon shrub reveal potential for bioenergy production
SDG 7
Duckweed and Amazon shrub reveal potential for bioenergy production

Two plants frequently found in the North of Brazil could become alternatives to sugarcane as raw materials for the production of second-generation ethanol and bioelectricity, according to studies by Brazilian researchers.


Drone-borne radar monitors sugarcane growth
SDG 7, SDG 9
Drone-borne radar monitors sugarcane growth

The system, developed by a startup supported by FAPESP, in partnership with researchers at the University of Campinas, helps plantation managers choose the optimal time to harvest the crop.


Expanding the use of waste to generate bioenergy can neutralize greenhouse gas emissions in São Paulo
SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 13
Expanding the use of waste to generate bioenergy can neutralize greenhouse gas emissions in São Paulo

Agricultural residues already produce 25% of the electricity used by households in the state. The proportion could jump to 70%, according to researchers who took part in an online seminar on the topic.


Startup creates transgenic sugarcane with enhanced pest resistance
SDG 7, SDG 13
Startup creates transgenic sugarcane with enhanced pest resistance

With FAPESP’s support, PangeiaBiotech develops genetically modified varieties of sugarcane that are protected against attacking insects and glyphosate-tolerant.


Brazilian startup exports solutions for hydrogen production
SDG 7, SDG 9
Brazilian startup exports solutions for hydrogen production

With FAPESP’s support, Hytron has developed a containerized solution for hydrogen production via ethanol reforming that eliminates the need for shipping by tanker trucks. The equipment can supply the gas to factories and vehicle service stations.


International Energy Agency will assess Brazil’s policies to promote biofuels
SDG 7, SDG 12, SDG 13
International Energy Agency will assess Brazil’s policies to promote biofuels

The IEA aims to help countries move the bioenergy agenda forward by identifying bottlenecks, recommending solutions and sharing best practices. The initiative was presented during a conference organized by BIOEN, FAPESP’s bioenergy research program.


Device refines analysis of materials for fuel cells and batteries
SDG 7, SDG 9
Device refines analysis of materials for fuel cells and batteries

Developed at an Engineering Research Center supported by FAPESP, the novel spectroelectrochemical cell can be used to study the behavior of electrolytes and catalysts by means of X-rays and infrared or even visible light.


Researchers investigate energy storage solution for electric vehicles and homes
SDG 7, SDG 9
Researchers investigate energy storage solution for electric vehicles and homes

Study by FAPESP-Shell Engineering Research Center hosted at University of Campinas set out to develop supercapacitors that store more energy and batteries that charge faster.


Study confirms contribution of bioenergy to climate change mitigation
SDG 7, SDG 13
Study confirms contribution of bioenergy to climate change mitigation

A cross-border team of researchers refute arguments that carbon debt, opportunity cost and indirect land-use change prevent greenhouse gas mitigation by biofuels.


Production of biofuels for transportation will fall for first time in two decades
SDG 7, SDG 13
Production of biofuels for transportation will fall for first time in two decades

Incentives to drive a rapid recovery by the sector, one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, will contribute to a resumption of world economic growth, save or create millions of jobs, and contain global emissions of carbon dioxide, experts say.


Incentives for the production of bioenergy must continue as part of post-pandemic recovery
SDG 7, SDG 12
Incentives for the production of bioenergy must continue as part of post-pandemic recovery

Governments should assure continuity of policies that promote bioenergy, biofuels and bioproducts, say the speakers in a webinar held by the Brazilian Bioenergy Science and Technology Conference, which is supported by BIOEN-FAPESP.


Enzyme cocktail developed in Brazil powers production of second-generation ethanol
SDG 7, SDG 9
Enzyme cocktail developed in Brazil powers production of second-generation ethanol

Brazilian researchers used genetic engineering to develop a low-cost platform for the production of enzymes that break down sugarcane trash and bagasse for conversion into biofuel. The novel molecules have many potential industrial applications.


Deep-seated changes triggered by pandemic could speed up adoption of bioenergy
SDG 7
Deep-seated changes triggered by pandemic could speed up adoption of bioenergy

Novel forms of societal behavior and political priorities during the coronavirus crisis may become permanent, creating even more favorable conditions for increased use of renewables, as discussed in a webinar hosted by the FAPESP Bioenergy Research Program.


Highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes could replace solvents used in conventional batteries
SDG 7, SDG 9
Highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes could replace solvents used in conventional batteries

The review article by researchers at the University of São Paulo shows the advantages of this technological alternative, which is nontoxic and much cheaper than other methods.


Most complete commercial sugarcane genome sequence has been assembled
SDG 2, SDG 7
Most complete commercial sugarcane genome sequence has been assembled

With FAPESP’s support, researchers have succeeded in mapping 99.1% of the plant’s genes, providing knowledge that will help improve its resistance to disease and increase its biomass yield for fuel or sugar production.


Niobium used as catalyst in fuel cell
SDG 7, SDG 9
Niobium used as catalyst in fuel cell

Glycerol fuel cell can replace batteries in cell phones and laptops, and could be used in future to run electric cars and supply power to homes.


Study highlights the importance of managing the use of sugarcane straw to generate bioenergy
SDG 7, SDG 12
Study highlights the importance of managing the use of sugarcane straw to generate bioenergy

Brazilian researchers calculated the amount of nutrients in sugarcane leaves, which are normally left on the ground after harvest, and the equivalent in fertilizer required to maintain crop yield if the straw is removed.


Modified enzyme can increase second-generation ethanol production
SDG 7, SDG 9
Modified enzyme can increase second-generation ethanol production

Using a protein produced by a fungus that lives in the Amazon, Brazilian researchers developed a molecule capable of increasing glucose release from biomass for fermentation.


Replacing diesel with liquefied natural gas allows for a fuel economy of up to 60% in São Paulo, Brazil
SDG 7
Replacing diesel with liquefied natural gas allows for a fuel economy of up to 60% in São Paulo, Brazil

A study conducted at the FAPESP-funded Research Centre for Gas Innovation pointed to the environmental and economic benefits of the cargo transportation industry in São Paulo State’s interior adopting LNG.


News about research projects funded by FAPESP and articulated with the SDGs: