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New technology promises to increase sugarcane productivity and double ethanol production. Could this be the revolution the biofuels sector needed? Discover the challenges, benefits and impact of this innovation on the energy market.
What makes super cane different from traditional cane?
A Eike Batista's super rod emerges as a revolutionary solution for the sector ethanol in Brazil. Its productivity exceeds that of traditional sugar cane, arousing the interest of experts and investors.
But this innovation can really transform the market biofuels?
The development of super cane began more than 20 years ago, with the aim of increasing efficiency in the production of ethanol e biomass.
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According to the website Compre Rural, this variety can generate up to three times more ethanol per hectare e 10 to 12 times more biomass compared to conventional varieties.
If this technology reaches its full potential, the national ethanol production could more than double. In this way, Brazil would further consolidate its leadership in the global market for biofuels.
Furthermore, its high productivity would reduce the need to expand planting areas. As a result, it would be possible to preserve important biomes, such as the Cerrado and the Amazon.
The impact of super sugarcane on ethanol production in Brazil
Currently, according to the consultancy StoneX, the harvest 2024/2025 should generate about 37,4 billion liters of ethanol.
Of this total, 8,33 billion liters come from corn ethanol, while the remainder originates from sugar cane.
If producers replaced all conventional sugarcane with super cane, production could reach 74,8 billion to 112,2 billion liters per year.
With this, Brazil would consolidate itself as a global reference in the manufacture of renewable biofuels.
In addition to ethanol, super cane would also generate more biomass, which would boost the production of clean electricity, making the sector even more sustainable.
However, for this technology to truly become viable, the sector needs to invest heavily in infrastructure, industrial adaptation and producer acceptance.
Can super sugarcane replace second-generation ethanol?
Despite the enormous potential, the super cane faces competition in the sector. Companies such as Cosan (CSAN3) analyzed this technology, but decided to invest in second generation ethanol (E2G).
Cosan CEO, Rubens Ometto, explained that the company saw more viability in E2G, as this alternative uses waste from sugar cane to generate fuel without requiring changes in planting.
While the super cane requires a new agricultural approach, the E2G improves production efficiency without major industrial adaptations.
Therefore, many companies consider the E2G a more viable option.
Faced with this scenario, the market asks itself: Which of the two innovations will best meet the growing demand for clean energy in Brazil?
Challenges for the adoption of super sugarcane in the energy sector
A super cane presents enormous potential.
However, for this innovation to be widely adopted, some challenges need to be overcome:
- Investments in large-scale production
- Adaptation of the industry to process the new variety
- Acceptance of the sugar and alcohol sector
- Environmental impact assessment and sustainability
On the other hand, Brazil is already betting on second generation ethanol, which uses waste from sugar cane to increase production efficiency without expanding the planted area.
In this way, the decision between investing in super cane or E2G will depend on economic, political and environmental factors in the coming years.
