Bioenergy production surpasses hydroelectric power in
Brazil
09-05-08
Energy produced from sugarcane exceeded hydroelectric power production in
Brazil in 2007, energy officials said.
This is the first time in Brazilian history that bioenergy production has
surpassed that of hydroelectric power, said Mauricio Tolmasquim, president
of the government's Energy Research Enterprise.
The energy made from sugarcane products represented 16 % of the country's
total power generation last year, while hydroelectric power accounted for
14.7 %, Tolmasquim said.
"Sugarcane has become more important in the energy matrix than hydro power.
Everything points to a tendency that is here to stay," he said. Bioenergy
production was only beaten by power generation from oil and gas, which
accounted for 36.7 % of power generation in the South American country in
2007.
Tolmasquim said renewable energy, including hydro sources, charcoal and
sugarcane derivatives, accounted for 46.4 % of Brazil's entire production
without overcharging consumers, as they do not require subsidies. He also
said that some 70 % of the growth in energy consumption last year was in
renewable sources.
As for criticism of ethanol for its alleged negative influence on food
production, Tolmasquim said the pace of development of this type of energy
in Brazil is "irreversible." He added that Brazil is renowned
internationally for having a clean and renewable energy mix.
Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com
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