Advance in energy consumption is related, among other factors, to increased demand for cellulose thanks to the war in Ukraine

As disclosed by CNN Brasil last Tuesday (the 26th), Brazil obtained, in the first half of this year, a 17,6% increase in electricity consumption by the wood, paper and cellulose sectors. The survey was carried out by the Chamber of Commercialization of Electric Energy (CCEE).

In May, the increase reached 22,6%, which, according to the CCEE, can be explained by the increased demand for basic inputs, given the scenario of war in ukraine.

Analysis and market information manager at CCEE talks about the upward trend in energy consumption in the country

Ricardo Gedra – the institution's market analysis and information manager – clarifies the roots of the movement in the country, which consists of the world's largest pulp exporter.

According to him, data from the Energy Research Company (EPE) and the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) show that Brazil has a 22% share in this market. Russia, in turn, is also an important exporter, but it is involved in the war and is now dealing with the consequences of a blockade, which contributes to the expansion of demand for those who can meet the offer.

Gedra also states that, despite the growth in demand for energy in the wood and paper sectors, the highest consumption is concentrated in the production of cellulose, given the great industrial demand for the product.

Under this bias, the specialist concludes that the material is an input for other products, in addition to feeding the packaging chain a lot, in a phase of the economy that precedes the delivery of the product. Thus, cellulose works as an economic trend indicator, its differential being the environmental issue, since it replaces plastic, which is not biodegradable.

Expansion of energy consumption in the pulp sector is also justified by the inauguration of a new plant in Paraná

In addition to the issues already mentioned, the increase in the consumption of the energy was also boosted by the inauguration of a pulp mill in Paraná, which took place during the second half of last year. The unit is responsible for higher energy consumption than the entire state of Acre, which has the lowest energy demand in the country.

In the state of Paraná, the increase in consumption in the pulp sector was 58,8%, due to the new plant. Next are the states of Minas Gerais (6,8%); Bahia (4,4%); São Paulo (4,3%) and Espírito Santo (3,9%).

CCEE also records a 1,4% jump in electricity consumption in all areas of the country

Preliminary data obtained by the Electric Energy Trading Chamber (CCEE) also show that, compared to the same period of 2021, electricity consumption in Brazil grew by 1,4% in the first half of this year.

According to the institution's evaluation, the increase was mainly due to the resumption of activities in some important sectors of the economy, such as beverages, food and services. In addition, there is a good moment for exports, which also contributes to the expansion of consumption.

In addition to the increase in the Paper, Wood and Pulp area, which has already been mentioned, there were also increases in the consumption of Services (25,7%); Commerce (14,2%); Sanitation (12,1%); Food products (9,2%); Drinks (7,7%); Transportation (5,6%); Chemicals (5,3%); Extraction of Metallic Minerals (0,2%); between others.