Brazil will begin a crucial phase for the evolution of its energy matrix in May 2026. Mauá Technological Institute will begin laboratory tests to validate the viability of the B20diesel oil mixture that contains 20% biodiesel.
The study, confirmed by Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME)is the technical step necessary to ensure that the increase in the mixture does not compromise the functioning of the vehicles.
This movement gains strength due to the global energy crisis and the recent conflicts between Israel and Iran, which have increased the need for the country to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Currently, the diesel sold at Brazilian gas stations has 15% biofuelwhile gasoline is mixed with 30% ethanol.
300-hour tests will check engine health and environmental impact
Under the coordination of Renato Romio, manager of the institute’s vehicle division, the researchers will subject engines to 300 hours uninterrupted.
The focus is on observing whether the use of more biodiesel causes filter clogging or failures in injection system. The idea is to ensure that components such as the injection nozzle work without damage.
The specific fuels for the tests are expected to arrive at the laboratory in the last week of May.
In addition to evaluating performance with mixtures B15 and B20the team will analyze how the engine behaves in relation to the pollutant emission.
These emission tests will be expanded to 7% (B7) and 25% (B25) of biodiesel.
For the director of economics and regulatory affairs at Abiove (Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries), Daniel Amaral, the planned tests are good news for the sector.
“It is a very broad set of tests, well discussed among entities related to the issue of production and use of biodiesel and which will certainly open the doors to mixtures higher than B15 up to B20, which presents a very promising scenario”, said Amaral, during an event promoted by Abiove and IBP (Brazilian Institute of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels) in São Paulo (SP).
The Brazilian government works with the expectation of quick results. The substitute secretary for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Marlon Arraes, indicated that the studies could support the adoption of the mixture B16 (16%) still in 2026.
That technical validation serves as a safety net for the market, ensuring that the fuel remains stable during storage and use. This would avoid losses for regional transporters.
The process is aligned with Future Fuel Law which encourages the use of national raw materials, such as soy and sugar cane.
For the Brazilian economy, increasing the mix means greater market predictability and less spending on the purchase of international diesel, which is why the industry itself signaled financial support to fund research.
Source: www.olhardigital.com.br
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