Uruguay Achieves 7% Reduction in Annual CO2 Emissions

Uruguay has achieved a 7% annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the government announced recently. The figures came from a study conducted by Alcoholes de Uruguay (Alur).

The study was carried out by the Centre for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research of Spain, at the request of Alur and the National Energy Directorate, with the support of the National Research and Innovation Agency. The research suggests that when biodiesel is used as a substitute for oil-based diesel, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by 70%, while bioethanol reduces emissions by 66%.

These results show that Uruguay is on course to meet its obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement, which set a target of a 15% reduction in the consumption of petroleum-derived fuels in transport.

Alur produces bioethanol from several feedstocks, including sugarcane and sorghum. The company also produces biodiesel from soybean and canola oil as well as oil used for frying.