Biotech Updates

Hydroelectric Energy in Brazil Surpassed by Sugarcane Bioenergy

May 30, 2008
http://biopact.com/2008/05/brazil-sugarcane-bioenergy-bypasses.html

The Biopact website shows data from Brazil’s annual National Energy Balance reports that indicate that almost half of Brazil's total energy (46.4%) now comes from renewable energy. Of the different types of renewable energy in the country, bioenergy is said to be the fastest growing resource. The combination of ethanol from sugarcane and energy from bagasse has become Brazil’s second primary energy source, surpassing hydroelectric energy. Although Brazil is also known for large hydroelectric power facilities, there are no prospects for the addition of new hydropower plants due to erratic rainfall, and the fact that most of the large rivers are dammed. An energy mix of 46.4% from renewables is relatively quite a good mix, compared to other OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries, where only about 5.2% of their primary energy comes from renewable energy. The Biopact website further reports that  “Brazil's sustainable energy mix might hold the future for many African countries”..