Oswaldo Lucon

Ethanol learning curve—the Brazilian experience

Economic competitiveness is a very frequent argument against renewable energy (RE). This paper demonstrates, through the Brazilian experience with ethanol, that economies of scale and technological advances lead to increased competitiveness of this renewable alternative, reducing the gap with conventional fossil fuels.

How adequate policies can push renewables

Abstract The growing interest in the establishment of a minimum share of renewable sources in the world energy matrix, after the Johannesburgs World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD), has raised the question about the means for such new technologies to compete with the traditional ones. The Brazilian experience in the last 25 years with ethanol as a replacement for gasoline can illustrate this possibility. Moreover, recent policies introduced by the Federal government for a minimum share of new renewable sources—wind, modern biomass and small hydro—in the Brazilian electricity matrix reinforces the countrys commitment to utilize adequate policies for achieving sustainable development.

Energia e meio ambiente no Brasil

Energy production and use present environmental impacts, but the present consumption patterns can be improved through a more efficient use of energy and a shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy. Due to hydroelectricity and bioethanol, Brazil still has a comfortable position compared to the rest of the world. Self-sufficient in oil, the country today discusses how to supply natural gas and electricity in the medium and long terms, with different positions about the path to follow. The present article proposes recommendations, with special focus on the electricity sector.

Brazilian sugarcane ethanol: lessons learned (1)

Ethanol derived from sugarcane is an efficient and renewable biofuel that appears as a solution to the problems of rural development, diversification of energy sources, and fossil fuel-saving, as well as contributing to the reduction of local pollutants from vehicle exhausts and net reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. During the 30 years of the Brazilian Alcohol Program, Brazil has accumulated a significant amount of experience in the various aspects of sugarcane ethanol production. This paper discusses this experience and the lessons learned, with special attention paid to the following aspects: (1) private investments now fund alcohol mill construction, eliminating the need for subsidies or other government incentives (so there is no influence of the sunk capital investments made in the past), and it is competitive with gasoline without the need for government subsidies to the industry; (2) the favorable energy balance of ethanol; (3) there is no competition for land with food crops; (4) the quality of jobs and social impacts; (5) the compatibility of existing fleets with ethanol-gasoline blends; (6) adequate legislation can control local environmental impacts associated with feedstock production and biofuel manufacture; (7) perspectives for the replication of the Brazilian ethanol program in other developing countries.

LPG in Brazil: lessons and challenges

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a fossil fuel and at the same time an important means to achieve sustainable development. As in many developing countries, this gas is in Brazil the most common first substitute for fuelwood in homes, combating deforestation and causing less hazardous emissions to the atmosphere. It can reach isolated areas without significant infrastructure investments, can be stored safely and can provide the basic services for the most needy, such as heating, cooking and lighting. Imported LPG had a very significant role in Brazil in the 20th century, when continent-scale distribution logistics were established, supplying the fuel to households at subsidized prices. In 2001, the subsidies were removed, correcting price distortions but creating even worse social and environmental problems. Moreover, the Brazilian LPG infrastructure is under the threat of obsolescence. The aim of this paper is to present the case of LPG in Brazil and to make recommendations in order to preserve the benefits obtained from the utilization of this fuel: cleaner environments through an affordable energy source.

São Paulo—The “Other” Brazil: Different Pathways on Climate Change for State and Federal Governments

The state of São Paulo, the most populous state in Brazil with 40 million people, is leading the way in Brazilian environmental policies. This article discusses the implications this has particularly for climate change policies. Located in the southeast part of the country, far from the Amazon rainforest, São Paulo state has adopted policies and actions that are leading to effective improvements in the quality of air and to the partial recovery of the original Atlantic rainforest, and that promote sustainable practices for ethanol production from sugarcane. Compared to the state of São Paulo, Brazil as a whole faces a considerably different situation, with the federal and the state governments having chosen different pathways for addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Depois da Rio+10: as lições aprendidas em Johannesburgo

O trabalho relata a evolucao do debate sobre energia renovavel e sustentabilidade, desde a concepcao pelo Prof. Jose Goldenbergda Iniciativa Energetica Brasileira, na Secretaria de Meio Ambiente de Sao Paulo, ate a participacao na Rio+10, a Conferencia Mundial sobreDesenvolvimento Sustentado, que ocorreu em Johannesburgo, entre agosto e setembro de 2002. Apresenta ainda um balanco dos resultadose as perspectivas futuras do processo de adocao de metas e prazos globais para a participacao das fontes renovaveis de energia nas matrizesenergeticas dos paises.