Biomethane as a Fuel for Energy Transition in South America: Review, Challenges, Opportunities, and Perspectives

Luís Pedro Vieira Vidigal, Túlio Augusto Zucareli de Souza (), Roberto Berlini Rodrigues da Costa, Luís Filipe de Almeida Roque, Gustavo Vieira Frez, Nelly Vanessa Pérez-Rangel, Gabriel Marques Pinto, Davi José Souza Ferreira, Vítor Brumano Andrade Cardinali, Felipe Solferini de Carvalho, João Andrade de Carvalho, Ana Paula Mattos, Juan José Hernández and Christian Jeremi Rodriguez Coronado
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Luís Pedro Vieira Vidigal: Mechanical Engineering Institute, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
Túlio Augusto Zucareli de Souza: Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal University of Pampa, Alegrete 97546-550, Brazil
Roberto Berlini Rodrigues da Costa: Mechanical Engineering Institute, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
Luís Filipe de Almeida Roque: Mechanical Engineering Institute, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
Gustavo Vieira Frez: Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal Center for Technological Education Celso Suckow da Fonseca, Angra dos Reis 23953-030, Brazil
Nelly Vanessa Pérez-Rangel: Mechanical Engineering Institute, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
Gabriel Marques Pinto: Mechanical Engineering Institute, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
Davi José Souza Ferreira: Mechanical Engineering Institute, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
Vítor Brumano Andrade Cardinali: Mechanical Engineering Institute, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
Felipe Solferini de Carvalho: Mechanical Engineering Institute, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
João Andrade de Carvalho: Mechanical Engineering Department, São Paulo State University, Guaratinguetá 12516-410, Brazil
Ana Paula Mattos: Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
Juan José Hernández: E.T.S. Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
Christian Jeremi Rodriguez Coronado: Mechanical Engineering Institute, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-36

Abstract: This review examines the current status of biomethane development in South America through a comprehensive comparative analysis of national legislation, scientific literature, and institutional data across all South American countries. The methodology consisted of a systematic review of technical and regulatory documents to assess the status of biomethane production, commercialization, and utilization throughout the region. The findings indicate that biomethane remains largely underdeveloped in most South American countries, primarily due to fragmented data, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of targeted public policies. Brazil emerges as a regional leader, backed by robust legal frameworks such as the RenovaBio program, the Future Fuel Law, and specific regulations governing landfill waste treatment and biomethane quality standards. In contrast, other countries hold considerable biogas potential but lack the regulatory frameworks and financial incentives required to expand biomethane production. The principal contribution of this study is its comprehensive assessment of biomethane development in South America, providing a country-level analysis alongside direct comparisons with global leaders in both production and policy. By mapping legislation, infrastructure conditions, and energy strategies across the continent, this study offers a strategic reference to support future research, investment, and policy development.

Keywords: biomethane; biogas; South America; production; energy transition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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