In Brazil, Jornal Grande Bahia reports in Santa Bárbara, Bahia, a team of students from Professor Carlos Valadares State College developed an innovative biodiesel using licuri oil, a plant native to Brazil’s semi-arid region. Completed as part of the Science at School Program, this project aims to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to Brazil’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative was guided by teachers Hevelynn Martins and Lamon Oliveira, who encouraged the students to utilize local resources in their quest for sustainable energy solutions.
Licuri, also known as “country palm,” was chosen for its high oxidative stability and low free fatty acid content, making it an ideal candidate for biodiesel production. The project is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting its potential to boost the local economy by diversifying the region’s energy matrix and creating new opportunities in the semi-arid regions of Bahia.
This initiative is part of the broader “Bahia Faz Ciência” program, which aims to enhance scientific research and technological innovation in the state. The students’ work not only offers a sustainable fuel alternative but also addresses key economic and environmental challenges faced by the region.
Tags: Brazil, sustainable biodiesel
Category: Research