Culturas agroenergéticas e produção de biocombustíveis: uma análise baseada em dissertações do programa de mestrado em agroenergia digital

Abstract

This work follows the trajectory of research developed in the Postgraduate Program in Agroenergy at the Federal University of Tocantins (PPGAD/UFT), with a special focus on technological innovations applied to biofuel production. Based on the selection of 78 dissertations defended between 2012 and 2022, it was possible to observe trends, identify gaps, and highlight advances in the use of agroenergy crops, organic waste, and new energy conversion technologies. It is noteworthy that the data show a greater focus on ethanol, especially first-generation (1G), in research during the period, with a strong presence of studies focused on sweet potato, soybean, and sugarcane crops. Even so, there is a growing interest in second-generation (2G) and third-generation (3G) biofuels, especially in topics such as the fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass, the use of microalgae, pyrolysis processes, and the production of biochar. More than just outlining a technical overview, the study highlights the importance of bringing scientific production closer to public policies, such as RenovaBio, and the principles of the circular economy. It concludes that there is a need to diversify methods, expand the geographic scope of research, and integrate social, economic, and environmental dimensions into the bioenergy chain in a more consistent manner. It highlights the need for greater investment to strengthen a sustainable energy matrix aligned with the perspectives, challenges, and opportunities of the global energy transition.