World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz today visited the Sao Martinho sugar and ethanol mill.
December 20, 2005 — Brazil is the largest producer in the world of ethanol, a source of renewable energy. Brazil took the lead on this some 30 years ago, at a time when the world was looking for innovative sources of energy.
São Martinho, the largest mill in the world, was visited today by Wolfowitz.
After viewing the Sao Martinho mill, Wolfowitz said:
"I was surprised by what I saw, I was very impressed by what I saw, it is an extraordinary productive operation that produces clean energy and with so much concern in the world about reducing carbon emissions it is terrific to see that it is actually possible on a basis that is competitive with fossil fuels to produce ethanol."
During his visit, Wolfowitz met Eduardo Carvalho, President of UNICA (União of Sugar Cane Agro-Industry of São Paulo).
Carvalho believes the Bank could be instrumental in helping transfer technology to African countries, which have the same climate of Brazil. He believes African nations could profit greatly from ethanol production, while at the same time helping the environment.
Carvalho said:
"The Bank has two important strategies, as was discussed at the G8 meeting in
Gleaneagles, Scotland. It is global warming and Africa. Thinking about Africa and global warming we have an example here in Brazil of a successful experience with ethanol - a program that was supported by the Bank almost 30 years ago, with US$200 million. What we would like to see is the Bank taking the initiative to lead the expansion of the sugarcane culture and the ethanol program, because whatever we produce in ethanol is little if compared to the great demand there is for gasoline substitution. We think there is great potential in Africa for renewable energy and it would be fantastic if the Bank could help us with that to create a global market for ethanol."
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