What do you know about Brazil's move to oil energy independence?

Mary · 12-11-2007, 01:17 AM

In Brazil, the fifth largest country in the world, there's a plan to become free from imported oil by the end of 2006.
Brazil started its ethanol program because of the oil crisis in the '70s.
Developing ethanol has led a brand new kind of car called a "flex vehicle," which gives you the option of using a gasoline ethanol blend or 100 percent ethanol.

Today, 70 percent of new cars sold in Brazil are flex vehicles, which cost no more than a regular car.

SOURCES
Trish Regan, CBS News,Inc.
William Bernquist, Sugar Cane Technology Institute, Brazil

yamildutra · 12-11-2007, 01:17 AM

Brazil is not only getting energy from bio-mass, but also from the winds and importing gas from Bolivia and Venezuela. In terms of oil the country has just became self sufficient. Congratulations Brazil!

nermil · 12-11-2007, 02:17 AM

um, very informative, but that is more of a statement than a question.

Obi-Wan Kenobi · 12-11-2007, 03:17 AM

Brazil is virtually oil free now and is on its way to becoming energy independent from ethanol. However, keep in mind that the population of Brazil is very isolated in 'pockets'. That's one of the big advantages they have over us...very few areas of heavy population. So easy to have ethanol where you need it. They also have vast acreage for growing corn. We do not. We could not grow enough corn to produce enough ethanol. Estimated 20% max. So we would still have to import. But yes, it would be cheaper than oil.
The energy issue is a biggie for the US and we need to address it NOW.

12-11-2007, 01:17 AM	#1 (permalink)
Mary Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1	What do you know about Brazil's move to oil energy independence? In Brazil, the fifth largest country in the world, there's a plan to become free from imported oil by the end of 2006. Brazil started its ethanol program because of the oil crisis in the '70s. Developing ethanol has led a brand new kind of car called a "flex vehicle," which gives you the option of using a gasoline ethanol blend or 100 percent ethanol. Today, 70 percent of new cars sold in Brazil are flex vehicles, which cost no more than a regular car. SOURCES Trish Regan, CBS News,Inc. William Bernquist, Sugar Cane Technology Institute, Brazil

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Hello World... Where would you like to move??	cotero3	Off Topic	7	04-20-2008 04:37 PM
i am a qualified roofer wanting to move to Australia Perth with my wife and 2...	Stephen L	Australia	2	12-03-2007 02:18 PM
My Fiance wants to move to Auckland?	Jamie	New Zealand	1	12-03-2007 05:19 AM
i will move to bangkok to work can anybody provide me a list of bus routes.	dines	Thailand	1	12-03-2007 05:19 AM
I live in Scotland what do i need to move to the Netherlands?	Meep	Netherlands	0	12-03-2007 04:53 AM

12-11-2007, 01:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
yamildutra Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1	Brazil is not only getting energy from bio-mass, but also from the winds and importing gas from Bolivia and Venezuela. In terms of oil the country has just became self sufficient. Congratulations Brazil!

12-11-2007, 02:17 AM	#3 (permalink)
nermil Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1	um, very informative, but that is more of a statement than a question.

12-11-2007, 03:17 AM	#4 (permalink)
Obi-Wan Kenobi Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1	Brazil is virtually oil free now and is on its way to becoming energy independent from ethanol. However, keep in mind that the population of Brazil is very isolated in 'pockets'. That's one of the big advantages they have over us...very few areas of heavy population. So easy to have ethanol where you need it. They also have vast acreage for growing corn. We do not. We could not grow enough corn to produce enough ethanol. Estimated 20% max. So we would still have to import. But yes, it would be cheaper than oil. The energy issue is a biggie for the US and we need to address it NOW.