Avaliação da variabilidade da carga de minério na eficiência energética e na emissão de gases de efeito estufa no transporte ferroviário

Abstract

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been progressively increasing in recent decades, causing an increase in Earth's temperature and climate change. Studies intended at reducing these emissions are extremely important and are being carried out in several sectors. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of variability in ore loading on energy efficiency and GHG emissions in rail transportation, seeking to optimize this process. By obtaining the fuel used to transport the cargo on the MRS Logística rail network, applying the calculation methodologies of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), translated nationally through the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program, and using tools for quantifying and managing emissions in different loading scenarios, it was possible to estimate the effects of load variability on the mentioned indicators. The results showed that load variation has significant effects on transportation efficiency and emissions. It is expected that further investments will be made in improving the quality of loading, as improvements in energy efficiency directly impact GHG emissions. Changing the loading culture, aiming at less variability in the load of ore trains, can be a GHG mitigation strategy, contributing to combating the climate crisis.