In recent years, we have witnessed a remarkable evolution in the bioenergy industry, driven by technological advances and a growing awareness of the importance of environmental sustainability. What will the production of the bioenergy system be like in the near future? Here I want to explore the main trends and innovations that will shape the future of this agribusiness.

One of the most significant changes is the rise of regenerative agriculture. This innovative agricultural model prioritizes soil health, biological diversity and ecosystem resilience. The increasing adoption of organics will be key, allowing farmers to reduce their dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides that can be harmful. However, a recent study by the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development highlights the lack of metrics and comprehensive definitions for regenerative agriculture in Brazil, making its promotion difficult. The publication suggests the creation of definitions that consider the diversity of sustainable and conservationist agricultural practices, adapted to the national reality.

As indicated in the study, promotion Regenerative agriculture in Brazil can be driven by a variety of means, both by the public and private sectors. Potential tools to stimulate regenerative agricultural production were identified, such as research into agricultural practices, encouraging technologies aimed at low-carbon agriculture, the creation of communication tools with rural producers to train in more sustainable and productive techniques, the use of financial instruments such as subsidized rural credit, price policies and command and control policies.

In addition to regenerative agriculture, the circular economy will emerge as a guiding principle in bioenergy production. The residues from biomass production will be reused as a source of nutrition for the soil, closing the nutrient cycle and reducing dependence on external fertilizers.

This approach not only promotes environmental sustainability, but can also generate significant savings for farmers by reducing input costs.

Automation and technology will play increasingly crucial roles in bioenergy production. Artificial intelligence and cloud computing systems will be essential tools, allowing the analysis of large sets of data and the optimization of sugarcane management. This approach gives farmers the ability to make more informed and accurate decisions, resulting in more efficient and sustainable operations. Furthermore, the continued use of drones and satellite images will continue to enable detailed monitoring of plantations, allowing the identification of areas of stress and precise interventions.

In the specific context of Raízen, several technological innovations are implemented to maximize efficiency. The partnership with the Brazilian startup Space Time Analytics makes it possible to predict, up to a year in advance, the production capacity of the sugarcane harvest in all of the company's units. Furthermore, the company was a pioneer in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the sector, using this equipment for detailed topographic mapping and identifying flaws in sugarcane sprouting. These initiatives result in a significant expansion of sugarcane monitoring capacity, providing better anticipation of problems.

Mechanization continues to be an important topic, evolving in technologies, sensors, yields, automation and thus reducing the environmental impact by gaining efficiencies in agricultural processes. At Raízen, processes are mechanized from planting to harvesting, and the operation is integrated through the Agricultural Intelligence Center, which monitors all logistics in real time.

The use of traffic control technology allows the harvester to be automatically guided along the crop line, avoiding losses and increasing the quality of the raw material. When planting, the automatic pilot integrated with unmanned aerial vehicles allows for the best route for mechanization and soil conservation. The company implemented precision agriculture techniques, such as installing GPS and flow controls on agricultural implements. This enables control and automation in the application of fertilizers and pesticides during the operation, contributing to more efficient management of resources and more sustainable production.

To keep up with these changes, the profile of the agricultural professional will also evolve. Farmers of the future will be diverse in their skills, with an affinity for using advanced technological tools. They will understand the importance of regenerative agriculture and will be able to apply sustainable practices to their fields. Skills such as data analysis and automated systems management will be essential for success in the bioenergy industry of the future.

Finally, the diversity of cultivated varieties will be fundamental for adapting to climate change and maximizing biomass production. Varieties that respond well to irrigated systems will be especially valued, as irrigation will become an important agent in bioenergy production. Mechanization will also play a crucial role, increasing efficiency and reducing production costs.

In short, the future of bioenergy production will be marked by technological innovation, environmental sustainability and a holistic approach to agriculture. With the right combination of regenerative agricultural practices such as the circular economy and cutting-edge technology, we can build a resilient and effective bioenergy system capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century.