In January 2022, 413 thermoelectric plants (UTEs) using sugarcane bagasse reached and installed capacity of 12,021 MW. In addition, there are two biogas UTEs in the sugar-energy sector, representing over 32 MW in operation, resulting in a total of 12,053 MW installed capacity, according to a survey by the Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) based on data from the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL). These 12,053 MW of sugarcane biomass represent 6.6% of the power granted in Brazil. These figures make sugarcane biomass the 4th most important source in the Brazilian power matrix, only behind hydropower, fossil, and wind energy sources. For UNICA’s bioelectricity manager, Zilmar Souza, this represents a milestone for the sugar-energy sector. Only five states hold 90% of the installed capacity for biomass in the sugar-energy sector. “This milestone shows the potential that biomass as well as biogas have in the sugar-energy sector. This is one more pride reason”, Souza says.
Source: Jornal Cana (*Translated by Ia Niani)