Resumo:

Similar to other innovative technologies, the development of aviation biofuels depends strongly on support mechanisms and proper public policies. As an immediate example, the adoption of ethanol and biodiesel in many countries required specific and active policies, in order to reduce uncertainties and risk perception among producers and promote investments, as well to protect consumers and environment.The basic reasons behind these measures are the differential advantages and externalities of using a renewable energy, in comparison with the conventional fossil fuels. In fact, when produced and used sustainably, a biofuel is able to foster environmental benefits, jobs generation, economic activation and energy security, as main positive impacts. It is important to stress that these potential advantages of biofuels are intrinsically dependent on the production route adopted, including the feedstock productive system and the agro-industrial conversion process, which should be properly assessed by sustainability indicators. In fact, every production route should be carefully evaluated in order to determine its relative sustainability and allow justifying or not its promotion and support. In this direction several certification schemes have been put forward, involving themes such as land and water use, impact in food availability and biodiversity, among other aspects. This subject is clearly relevant and is the central theme of a workshop in the Sustainable Aviation Biofuels for Brazil Project.