Brazil's Inpasa starts operation at its largest corn based ethanol facility

Inpasa, Brazil’s largest corn-ethanol producer, began operating on Tuesday at its main biorefinery. According to the company, it can now be regarded as one of the largest production units for cereal-based biofuel in the world. Could not independently verify this claim.

Why it's important

The announcement came as Brazil's government worked to increase the presence of biofuels on local markets. On Tuesday, President Luiz inacio Lula signed into law a bill called Fuel of the Future.

By the Numbers

After processing 4.6 millions tons of corn harvested from the second harvest of the country, this plant will produce 2.1 billion liters per year. This volume is equivalent to around 10% of the corn produced in Mato Grosso - Brazil's biggest producer of cereal.

Brazil's corn ethanol production is growing and will reach 20% of total ethanol output during the current cycle. Sugar cane ethanol is the remaining production.

According to Inpasa, a total of 4.1 billion reals ($741.72 millions) has been invested in the plant.

KEY QUOTE

Inpasa President Jose Lopes said in a press release that "we are in a unique time in the Brazilian Bioeconomy." Initiatives such as this confirm our country's position on the world stage by combining economic development with environmental responsibility. Reporting by Roberto Samora, Editing by Aurora Ellis. $1 = 5.5277 Reais

(source: Reuters)