# Analysis of the Sugarane Biomass Use to Produce Green Hydrogen: Brazilian Case Study
## 3 Brazil's Energy Landscape and Electricity Mix: An Overview of 2023
### The National Energy Supply in 2023  
Examining Brazil's broader energy mix, as depicted in Figure 4, reveals the interplay between renewable and non-renewable sources. Non-renewable sources still represent a larger share of total consumption; however, Brazil distinguishes itself globally by maintaining an exceptionally high share of renewables in its energy matrix. Renewable sourcescomprising sugarcane products (16.9%), hydro (12.1%), firewood and charcoal (8.6%), black liquor and other renewables (7.2%), wind (2.6%) and solar (1.7%)--collectively contribute 49.1% to the nation's energy matrix. This share is significantly above the global average, where dependence on renewables remains relatively modest. Petroleum and oil remain the dominant sources in Brazil's energy supply, accounting for the largest share at 35.7%. While these sources are critical to meeting current energy demands, they present challenges related to greenhouse gas emissions and energy security. In contrast, coal and coke make up only 4.4% of the supply, reflecting Brazil's relatively lower reliance on these carbon-intensive resources. To complement this fossil-based energy matrix, renewables play an increasingly important role, as detailed in Figure 5, which illustrates the supply breakdown of \"Black liquor and other renewables\". The figure illustrates the distribution of energy supply from black liquor and other renewable sources. Black liquor represents the largest share at 47.1%, followed by biodiesel (27.5%), other biomasses (22.6%), biogas (2.0%), and industrial charcoal gas (0.8%). The category \"other biomasses\" includes solid biomass, organic waste, secondary biofuels, and other forms of energy derived from organic materials not specified in the other categories. This breakdown highlights the significant role of black liquor, a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry, alongside the contribution of other renewable sources to the energy supply. Brazil's energy mix, therefore, presents a dynamic scenario, reflecting the ongoing balance between renewable and non-renewable energy sources. On one hand, the substantial  
Figure 4: Internal energy supply by source 2023. Data source from [65]. Figure 5: The supply breakdown of “Black liquor and other renewables”. Adapted from [65]. reliance on renewable resources like hydropower and bioenergy demonstrates the country's leadership in sustainable energy practices. On the other hand, the continued dependence on fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas highlights areas for improvement, particularly considering global efforts to transition to low-carbon energy systems. The data underscores both Brazil's potential to lead in renewable energy adoption and the pressing need to address the challenges associated with non-renewable sources in its energy landscape. Brazil's energy mix has undergone significant evolution over the past two decades, as illustrated in Figure 6. Between 2004 and 2023, renewable energy sources consistently represented a substantial portion of the nation's Internal Energy Supply (OIE). This ongoing prominence of renewables, reaching 49.1% in 2023, reflects Brazil's proactive approach to energy transition, including the integration of emerging renewable sources such as wind and solar energy [65]. The diversification within the renewable energy portfolio has ensured high levels of sustainability in the OIE, even amidst fluctuations in hydropower and other traditional renewable sources. Such diversification highlights the nation's commitment to enhancing energy security and sustainability in the face of dynamic energy demands and environmental challenges. Referring to the data in the figure, it becomes evident that the period witnessed notable advancements in renewable energy diversification. Initially reliant primarily on hydropower and biomass (sugarcane derivatives and firewood), Brazil gradually integrated wind and solar power into its energy matrix, as seen in the modest but increasing representation of these sources from 2015 onward.