The Bio-jet Fuel from Bioethanol in Brazil: An Optimization-based Analysis Seminar

Abstract
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set a cap on net aviation CO₂ emissions and aims to reduce these emissions by 50% by 2050 compared to 2005 levels. This commitment highlights the global aviation industry's efforts to tackle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this scenario, bio-jet fuel emerges as a promising solution to significantly lower GHG emissions while meeting stringent fuel property requirements, such as low sulfur content and high thermal stability.

Brazil is a leader in renewable energy, with more than 44% of its energy coming from renewable sources. As the second-largest global ethanol producer, Brazil currently produces 30 billion liters annually, with expectations to reach 50 billion liters per year by the end of the decade. Sugarcane accounts for 80% of ethanol production in Brazil and contributes to producing around 37 million tons of sugar per year, with various by-products being efficiently utilized within the industry. The increasing demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) presents a strategic opportunity for ethanol producers to enter this emerging market.
Investment decisions and technological advancements in this sector should consider production flexibility, market uncertainties, and risk mitigation to ensure a minimum return for investors. The adoption of new processes and technologies must go beyond traditional investment evaluation methods (such as Net Present Value - NPV) and consider the full range of products and markets a sugarcane mill can serve.
This seminar explores the feasibility of SAF production from ethanol at sugarcane mills, focusing on production flexibility and price uncertainty through optimization models. An overview of the key assumptions and findings of the project "Rapid Process Synthesis via Superstructure Optimization under Market Uncertainty” will be illustrated and discussed.
---
Speakers
Prof. Dr. Cláudio Augusto Oller do Nascimento
Prof. Cláudio Oller do Nascimento is a Full Professor at the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo (USP) and an expert in chemical process modeling and environmental sustainability. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Salford (UK) and postdoctoral research from EPFL (Switzerland). Over the years, he has led major research projects, securing over $20 million in funding and publishing more than 180 scientific papers. As coordinator of the USP Environmental Research Center (CEPEMA), his work focuses on sustainable technologies. He has also served twice as Head of the Chemical Engineering Department at USP and has been recognized with the Brazilian National Order of Scientific Merit.
Prof. Dr. Celma de Oliveira Ribeiro
Prof. Celma de Oliveira Ribeiro is an Associate Professor at the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo (USP), specializing in energy economics and optimization. She holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from USP and has led impactful research on bioenergy investments and sustainable aviation fuels. She has published about 50 peer-reviewed journal articles, supervised numerous graduate students, and participated in major energy sustainability projects with organizations like CINE and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas). Currently, she serves as Vice Deputy Head of the Industrial Engineering Department at USP and continues to influence energy transition policies and technologies.
---
This event is open to students and researchers!
For more information please contact Prof. Pierluigi Leone and Prof. Marco Sangermano
pierluigi.leone@polito.it; marco.sangermano@polito.it
We look forward to your participation!