Alcohol
Alcohol is the most common of alcohols and is an organic compound, which is obtained from fermentation of starchy or sugary substances, like the sucrose in sugar cane juice, and also through synthetic processes. According to some researchers, it can be produced from biomass (agricultural and forest residues).
Ethanol (CH3 CH2OH), also known as ethyl alcohol, is a substance obtained from the fermentation of sugars, and is found in drinks like beer, wine, and liquor, as well as in the perfume industry. In Brazil, this substance is also widely utilized as fuel for combustion engines, thus creating a rising market for fuel obtained in a renewable manner and fostering the establishment of a base chemical industry, sustained by the use of renewable agricultural biomass.
Brazil is the most advanced country, technologically speaking, in the production and use of ethanol as a fuel, followed by the USA and, on a smaller scale, by Argentina, Kenya, Malawi, and others. The global production of alcohol is close to 40 billion liters, of which it is believed that 25 billion liters are used for energy purposes. Brazil accounts for 15 billion liters of this total. Alcohol is used in gasoline mixes in Brazil, the USA, the EU, Mexico, India, Argentina, Colombia, and, most recently, Japan. Exclusive use of alcohol as a fuel is concentrated in Brazil.
Brazil is the most advanced country, technologically speaking, in the production and use of ethanol as a fuel, followed by the USA and, on a smaller scale, by Argentina, Kenya, Malawi, and others. The global production of alcohol is close to 40 billion liters, of which it is believed that 25 billion liters are used for energy purposes. Brazil accounts for 15 billion liters of this total. Alcohol is used in gasoline mixes in Brazil, the USA, the EU, Mexico, India, Argentina, Colombia, and, most recently, Japan. Exclusive use of alcohol as a fuel is concentrated in Brazil.