Nexus research also shows that two-thirds of people interviewed agree with increasing biofuel blends as an environmental solution
An unpublished study conducted by Nexus – Research and Data Intelligence revealed that 69% of Brazilians believe that the increase in biofuel production in the country is directly linked to economic growth in Brazil. In total, 71% of those interviewed also agreed that the measure would generate more employment opportunities in rural areas by encouraging agriculture. The research Sustainable Fuel and Energy: The Vision of Brazilians was conducted by Nexus for the Secretariat of Communications (Secom) of the Presidency of the Republic.
Although they support the use of less polluting fuels, 66% of participants fuel their cars, most often, with gasoline or diesel, according to the survey. Only 29% currently use ethanol as their primary fuel. When asked about clean fuels, 77% believe electric vehicles are the best alternative, followed by ethanol (40%) and compressed natural gas (33%).
The increase in limits for mixing ethanol and biodiesel with gasoline and diesel is one of the basic principles of the Future Fuel Law, approved by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in October. This mixture is not new, but according to Nexus research, it is still unknown to half of Brazilians (51%). When explained, two-thirds of participants (66%) see this measure as an environmental solution, because it reduces the emission of polluting gases.
About the future project
The Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, emphasized that the Future Fuel Code will make our fleet more compatible with the global climate agenda and, at the same time, will bring economic and social benefits to the country. “For Brazil, which has international commitments to reduce emissions, adopting biofuels represents an important step towards achieving environmental goals,” he says.
In addition to the environmental benefits, Silveira highlights that growth in biofuel production will bring good economic results, by generating direct and indirect employment and strengthening the local economy. “It is not limited to just growing sugarcane, corn or soybeans, but includes a wide-ranging production chain covering small and large producers, transportation, production and sales. Moreover, increased demand for biofuels increases the value of agricultural commodities, strengthening Brazil’s trade balance.” It increases tax collection.
According to the Nexus/SECOM poll, 62% of Brazilians also believe that the project will bring benefits to the country – whether for consumers, the environment, or both. Despite this, respondents are divided when it comes to expressing their opinions on the potential problems of increasing the proportion of ethanol and biodiesel in conventional fuels: 45% believe the new development will increase prices at the pump, and 44% believe it will. Reducing the efficiency of cars and 43% betting on damage to the car engine.
In addition to changing the proportions of biofuels in gasoline and diesel, the new law establishes programs to encourage research, production, marketing and use of biofuels, with the aim of promoting the decarbonization of the transport and mobility matrix. This action includes the National Sustainable Aviation Fuels Program, the National Green Diesel Program, the National Decarbonization Program for Natural Gas Producers and Importers and biomethane incentives.
The clean energy debate is moving the world stage on the day of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) – which brings together representatives from 200 countries to meet in Baku, Azerbaijan – and with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) expected to be held in 2025 in Brazil. Next year, the conference, held annually since 1995, will be hosted in Belém, Pará.
methodology
Nexus conducted telephone interviews with 2,004 citizens aged 16 or older in 27 federal units (UFs). The margin of error for the total sample is 2 points with a 95% confidence interval. The sample is controlled based on quotas of: (a) gender, (b) age, (c) education, (d) region and (e) municipality status. Interviews were conducted between October 2 and 7, 2024. (advisory links)
