The U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) Latin America office recently showcased ethanol’s role in long-term fuel decarbonization policies to 70 government officials from 19 different countries in the region. The webinars were held in partnership with the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) to promote the use of biofuels as the most reliable source for achieving government goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and global warming.
Speakers showed how policies in the United States and Brazil to decarbonize the transportation system through biofuels, although ambitious, have abated carbon dioxide emissions. These experiences indicate the potential for countries in the region with available land and suitable climate to embrace biofuels and develop bioenergy solutions.
“The two-day event carried a strong message to policymakers: there are several measures that will work together to achieve the goal of reducing GHG emissions in the transportation system, and biofuels represent the proven way for Latin American countries to succeed on this challenge,” said Juan Sebastian Diaz, USGC’s regional ethanol consultant for Latin America.
Speakers at the event encouraged governments to deploy a set of several measures, including adding renewable energy carriers such as biofuels, to have the best chance of meeting ambitious decarbonization goals.
Workshop attendees learned about the outlook for biofuels in Latin America and heard case studies from Brazil, Europe and the U.S. that showcased experiences with ethanol policies contributing to decarbonization.
The Council’s efforts in Latin America seek to increase ethanol blend levels in countries where local or imported ethanol is already being used and protect existing participation of U.S. ethanol across the region.
Nearly 90 countries purchased U.S. ethanol in the 2019/2020 marketing year. Three of them – Brazil, Colombia and Peru – are among the top 10 largest U.S. ethanol customers.
Learn more about the Council’s work to promote ethanol in Latin America.
About The U.S. Grains Council
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is online at www.grains.org.