Sugarcane is the main source of renewable energy in Brazil, according to the National Energy Balance (BEN) 2021. Data released by the Energy Research Company (EPE) show that sugarcane biomass represents 19.1% of the domestic supply of energy (OIE), or 39.5% of all renewable energy used in Brazil. Sugarcane has already made Brazil a global reference in clean energy, contributing to a share above the world average of 13.8% of renewables in the matrix, and 11% of developed countries that are members of the Organization for Cooperation and Development Economic (OECD). In 2020, by 48.4% of the energy consumed in the national territory were from renewable sources. “Sugarcane is one of the oldest agricultural crops in Brazil and remains highly strategic due to its versatility. We produce sugar, ethanol, bioelectricity, biogas, and soon, biomethane, with a great unexplored potential, capable of guaranteeing that Brazilian socioeconomic development is supported by low-carbon energy sources”, said Evandro Gussi, president of the Sugarcane Industry Union (UNICA).
Sources: ÚNICA/Notícias Agrícolas (*Translated by Ia Niani)