Sugarcane project set to benefit Brazilian ethanol market

Brazilian energy business Petrobras and state-owned company Embrapa are to develop new technology for sugarcane production to eventually benefit the ethanol market.

The two companies signed a technical cooperation agreement in late November aimed towards sugarcane production in Rio Grande do Sul. The project is backed by an investment of BR$ 5.5 million (€1.7 million) and has been approved by the ANP, Brazil’s oil, gas and biofuel regulator.

‘This project aligns with our strategy for the regional production of biofuels and our investments in research are aimed at acquiring the knowledge that will enable us confidently analyse future investments,’ says Petrobras Biocombustível CEO Miguel Rossetto.

The study will evaluate varieties of sugarcane which are better adapted to the soil and climate in the state, taking into consideration the issues of productivity, pest resistance and tolerance to cold and drought.