EnergyGrind

The US and Brazil are discussing a new energy partnership on ethanol.  The discussions center on technology sharing between the two countries, as well as promoting ethanol use and production in Latin America. The countries would like to pick a country in Central America in which to develop a pilot project for the replacement of oil for ethanol.

The US is also very eager to lessen its dependence on foreign oil imports and through promoting biofuels, to counter Venezuelas growing influence in Latin America.  A partnership with Brazil would help build on the best practices of Brazils succesful biofuels program.  To date, ethanol has replaced about 40 percent of Brazil’s non-diesel gasoline consumption. In addition,more than 70 percent of the vehicles now sold in Brazil are flex-fuel models that run on either ethanol or gas.