Sugarcane ethanol is a renewable fuel produced from sugarcane. (Credit: Flickr @ Sweeter Alternative http://www.flickr.com/photos/sweeteralternative/)
Petrobras, a Brazilian multinational energy corporation, and Embrapa, a state-owned company affiliated with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, are developing a new technology for sugarcane ethanol production. The project will generate knowledge for the expansion of sugar cane production for the ethanol market.
Last Thursday in São Luiz Gonzaga Petrobras and Embrapa signed a technical cooperation agreement for technology development aimed at sugarcane production in Rio Grande do Sul. Backed by the investment of R$ 5.5 million, the project objective is to generate knowledge for increasing the production of sugarcane for the ethanol market, thereby contributing to the development of the state’s sugar-based agribusiness.
The project, titled “Technology for the sugarcane production system in the state of Rio Grande do Sul – Siscana RS” has been approved by the ANP (Brazil’s oil, gas and biofuel regulator) and will be funded by Petrobras, with the technical and scientific support of its Research Center (Cenpes). Coordinating and carrying out the R & D project will be conducted by Embrapa’s Temperate Climate Agricultural Research Center, located in the municipality of Pelotas (Rio Grande do Sul state).
In the opinion of Petrobras Biocombustível CEO Miguel Rossetto, the partnership is a milestone for sugarcane ethanol production in the state, which still imports the product to meet its own needs. He said, “We produce oil and biofuels and are working to supply the market. This project is in alignment with our strategy for the regional production of biofuels and our investments in research are aimed at acquiring the knowledge that will enable us to more confidently analyze future investments.”
The study will evaluate varieties of sugarcane that are better adapted to the soil and climate in this state state, taking into consideration the issues of productivity, pest resistance and tolerance to cold and drought. The project also aims to develop and recommend a production system model based on studies of fertilization and planting periods, among other regional factors. In addition, it will provide an agroclimatic zoning for cane sugar in a temperate climate.
Sugarcane is the world’s largest crop. In 2010, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates, it was cultivated on about 23.8 million hectares, in more than 90 countries, with a worldwide harvest of 1.69 billion tons. Brazil was the largest producer of sugar cane in the world. The next five major producers, in decreasing amounts of production, were India, China, Thailand, Pakistan and Mexico.
Ethanol is generally available as a byproduct of sugar production. It can be used as a biofuel alternative to gasoline, and sugarcane ethanol widely used in cars in Brazil. It is an alternative to gasoline, and may become the primary product of sugarcane processing, rather than sugar. In Brazil, gasoline is required to contain at least 22% percent bioethanol.
