Brazil's Ethanol Fuel Production to Reach 64 Billion Liters in 10 Years

Brazil's ethanol fuel production will reach 64 billion liters in 2019, more than twice the amount currently produced, Mines and energy Minister Marcio Zimmerman said Monday.

"Brazil produces 26 billion liters today and will reach 64 billion liters in 2019. With that, we will even have a surplus to export," said Zimmerman in Sao Paulo.

Zimmerman explained that 47 percent of Brazil's energy came from renewable sources, one of the highest rates in the world. According to him, that is due to the sugarcane-based products, which are responsible for 18 percent of the country's energy.

The Minister defended a rise in the investments in the sector, in order to keep up with other countries which are trying to improve the efficiency of the ethanol fuel production. He pointed out, however, that he believed Brazil will keep on being one of the most efficient countries in the world in the sector.

Along with the U.S., Brazil is one of the leading ethanol fuel producers in the world. The country has a high domestic demand for the product, since the gas in all cars must be blended with ethanol. In addition, most of the cars produced in Brazil in the last years are flexible-fuelled, which means that consumers can choose which fuel to use.

source: Manila Bulletin