# Analysis of the Sugarane Biomass Use to Produce Green Hydrogen: Brazilian Case Study
## 1 Introduction  
One of the biggest challenges today is developing clean fuels and alternative energy sources, given the rising global energy demand and pressure to control pollutant emissions, particularly those contributing to global warming [1, 2, 3, 4]. Hydrogen has gained significant attention as a versatile and clean energy carrier, offering potential solutions for reducing carbon emissions in various sectors. In this context, recent studies have shown that the adoption of modern technologies--such as monitoring, optimization, and automation--not only enhances energy efficiency but also plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development [5, 6]. Hydrogen production through conventional methods, which typically rely on fossil raw materials, is among the largest sources of carbon dioxide (CO\({}_{2}\)) emissions. Hydrogen production can occur from gaseous or liquid fuels. Such methods differ according to the nature of the primary fuel used (water, ammonia, ethanol, gaseous or liquid hydrocarbons or methanol) and the chemical reaction involved (e.g., decomposition, electrolysis, gasification, steam reform or partial oxidation). Therefore, it is crucial to explore alternative and sustainable hydrogen production methods, such as utilizing sugarcane biomass, to reduce carbon emissions and foster environmental sustainability. In recent years, biorefinery has become a viable alternative to petrorefinery, as biofuels hold significant potential to replace fossil fuels and contribute to the sustainable development of society [7]. Lignocellulosic biomasses, which include sugarcane, are among the most abundant and ubiquitous raw materials on Earth and represent a promising source to produce biofuels like bioethanol, biohydrogen, and biogas [7]. However, the recalcitrance of biomass to enzymatic hydrolysis remains a significant challenge, as the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin components are intricately bound together, making their separation a complex and energy-intensive process [7]. Lignocellulosic biomasses typically contain 40-50% cellulose, 20-30% hemicellulose, and 20-30% lignin, in addition to other minor components such as ash and extractives, which further complicates the conversion process [8]. Hydrogen, the most abundant element in nature, has long been recognized as a promising biofuel due to its clean and high-energy properties, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels [3; 4; 9]. Renewable energy sources, such as bioethanol, biodiesel, and bio-oil, are being increasingly explored as environmentally friendly replacements for fossil fuels [10]. Among these, biohydrogen stands out for its potential to contribute to a low-carbon economy, with its production being vital for the global transition to sustainable energy systems [10]. Biomass can be transformed into fuels and chemicals of high added value using thermochemical and biochemical conversion techniques [11]. It is economically and geographically abundant and can serve as an important resource for generating alternative transport fuels, electricity, heat, and valuable chemicals [12]. Carbon neutrality and low levels of SOx and NOx emissions are some of the other merits of using biomass as an alternative energy source [13]. In summary, biomass stands out as a versatile and sustainable energy source with significant environmental and economic benefits, making it a promising alternative for reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Given the urgent need for carbon-neutral hydrogen production, this study aims to explore how Brazil's sugarcane industry can contribute to large-scale biohydrogen generation. By leveraging its vast sugarcane biomass resources, the country has the potential to integrate sustainable hydrogen production into its existing bioenergy infrastructure. Although bioethanol, biomethane, and other biofuels are considered renewable--since the carbon they release during combustion was previously absorbed by the biomass during its growth, their use is not entirely environmentally neutral.