In 2023, Brazil saw a record generation of 3,218 average megawatts (MW) from biomass, constituting 4.6% of the year’s total energy consumption, as reported by the Ministry of Mines and Energy on 27 February.
Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira emphasized, “We are working on several fronts to continue being a benchmark for clean energy around the world. In 2023, 93.6% of our electricity was generated from renewable sources, which reinforces Brazil’s position as a world leader in energy transition.”
Brazil’s previous record, set in 2020, stood at an average energy output of 3,140 MW from biomass plants.
Last year witnessed an increase in installed biomass capacity by 223 MW, and this year, an additional output of 1,155 MW is anticipated, marking a new record.
Throughout 2023, biomass contributed between 3.2% and 4.9% to power generation on a monthly basis.
There are currently 637 biomass-powered projects across Brazil, with 422 utilizing sugarcane bagasse, boasting a combined capacity of 12,410 MW.
Additionally, forestry waste fuels approximately 76 power plants, generating 820 MW, while biogas contributes 201 MW.
Black liquor, a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry, powers 22 projects, capable of generating 3,334 MW, making it the second largest energy source among biomass sub-sources.
