Biofuels in Brazil

Question 1

When did Brazil begin to diversify its energy sources, and what percentage of its energy comes from renewable sources today?

Answer 1

Brazil began to diversify its energy sources in the 1970s. Today, 4% of Brazil’s energy comes from renewable sources.

Question 2

What is notable about the engines used in 90% of passenger vehicles sold in Brazil, and what fuels do they use?

Answer 2

90% of passenger vehicles sold in Brazil contain new flex-fuel engines that work using a combination of petrol and sugarcane ethanol.

Question 3

What is Brazil’s status in terms of sugarcane production, and what was the estimated production in the 2019/2020 period?

Answer 3

Brazil is now the world’s largest producer of sugarcane. In the 2019/2020 period, production was estimated to be 643 million metric tonnes.

Question 4

What environmental challenge has arisen in Brazil due to the production of biofuels?

Answer 4

Replacement pastures created for biofuel production have led to deforestation, which is now cancelling out the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions that had been achieved through biofuel usage.