In Brazil there is a large potential for the generation of electricity using residues from the sugarcane industry, particularly the bagasse. It employs completely dominated and relatively cheap cogeneration technologies, with equipment produced in the country and that can be made available at relatively short notice. Another advantage is that part of this potential is located near to the main load centers, not requiring high connection costs or high costs for the use of the transmission and distribution grids; besides the losses incurred to transmit this generation through these grids are small. This paper presents the current status of this generation and evaluates critically some medium and long-term forecasts produced by the Brazilian government and by the largest association representing sugar and alcohol producers in the country.
展开▼
