ETHANOL
Brazil is the world’s largest sugarcane ethanol producer and a pioneer in using ethanol as a motor fuel. In 2019-20, Brazilian ethanol production reached 32.5 billion liters. Most of this production is absorbed by the domestic market where it is sold as either pure ethanol fuel (E100) or blended with gasoline (E27).
Sugarcane ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel produced by the fermentation of sugarcane juice and molasses. Because it is a clean, affordable and low-carbon biofuel, sugarcane ethanol has emerged as a leading renewable fuel for the transportation sector.
Ethanol contributes to decarbonizing transport in two ways:
Blended with gasoline
Pure
BENEFITS
Ethanol adds oxygen to gasoline which helps reduce air pollution and harmful tailpipe emissions. Ethanol also reduces Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by up to 90% when compared to fossil fuels, performing better than any other liquid biofuel produced today on a commercial scale.
Beyond its positive environmental impact, ethanol can also enhance a vehicle’s performance. It is a high-octane fuel that generates more power in higher compression engines.
Available now, ethanol helps to reduce global dependence on fossil fuels and can be used to diversify a country’s energy matrix.
OVER
3.20 bi
barrels of gasoline substituted between 1975 and 2020 in Brazil
Biofuels
are central to Brazil’s low carbon emission strategy
Per capita GDP rise of
USD 1,098
in Brazilian cities where
ethanol is produced
BRAZIL: A LEADER IN ETHANOL
PRODUCTION AND USE
Brazil has achieved greater energy security thanks to both a competitive sugarcane industry and policies that make ethanol a key part of its energy matrix. In 2019, Brazil replaced 47% of its gasoline needs with sugarcane ethanol.
Eternal Ethanol: Fueling the cooperation between India-Brazil
Brazil and India have recently partnered for developing a sustainable, clean energy pathway, within the private sector, for decarbonising the mobility and the power generation sectors.
News
EP vote protects role of ethanol in EU energy mix, but limits full potential
Sustainable crop-based biofuels provided with an opportunity to reassert their sustainability credentials, yet targets underplay their value in a sustainable and secure energy mix.
ITRE vote provides opportunity to confirm biofuels deserve seat at the table, but targets remain low
A clear opportunity to confirm why sustainable crop-based biofuels deserve their seat at the table, but targets continue to underplay their potential in the transport energy mix. UNICA welcomes the positive developments from the ITRE committee vote today regarding EU renewable energy policy.
