Análise de viabilidade técnica de oleaginosas para produção de biodiesel em Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract

Biodiesel represents an important alternative source of energy to Brasil and, in particular, Mato Grosso do Sul State, having its legal basis established and its production chain under construction. The present study aimed at evaluating the technical viability of potential oilseeds to Mato Grosso do Sul, analyzing the available information on their characteristics and on the accumulated knowledge to their recommendation. We selected, from their characteristics and occurrence in the State, nine oilseeds, being seven annual: Soybean (Glycine marx), herbaceous cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), castor beans (Ricinus communis), peanuts (Arachis hypogeae), canola (Brassica campestris) and raphanus (Raphanus sativus); and two perennials: physical nut (Jatropha curcas) and "macaúba" (Acrocomia totae and A. aculeata). We concluded that the most viable alternatives in a short term would be soybean and herbaceous cotton, being the first the most likely to fulfill the demand. Sunflower is in an intermediate position and may be quickly suitable for recommendation, with small efforts in technological development and chain organization. The castor beans, peanuts, canola and raphanus need more intensive research and adaptation of materials. The physical nuts and "macaúba" will take a long period to have their production system defined, but there are strong evidences that both will be part of the oilseeds matrix in a short term in Mato Grosso do Sul, even without the technical conditions needed to their recommendation.