The Future of Diesel: Paths and New Alternatives to Energy Security and Sustainability

The freight and collective passenger transport sector is highly dependent on diesel oil in Brazil, representing one of the main sources of emissions in the energy sector. In this context, this chapter aims to discuss the role played by diesel in the Brazilian transport scenario, outlining prospects for the adoption of new potential fuels. As alternatives to diesel, biodiesel, liquefied natural gas, electricity, hydrogen, and green diesel were chosen and analysed by six dimensions: regulatory, technological, availability, infrastructure, economic and environmental. It was observed that biodiesel, despite its consolidated production capacity, should not develop beyond the percentage already expected due to technological and resource problems. Infrastructure investments necessary to adopt liquefied natural gas should be carried out in the short term to promote the associated fleet. Green diesel has great potential because of its similarity to fossil diesel; however, the lack of regulation has prevented its development. The adoption of electromobility has great potential in the medium term; however, incentive policies need to be adopted to offset the initial cost. It is observed that Brazil has several possibilities for diversifying the fuel supply mix, thus contributing to an energy transition towards a low-carbon economy.