How French biofuel producer Tereos will realize growth potential in Brazil

French ethanol and biogas producer Tereos is expecting growth in Brazil, as it has opened more than 1,300 job vacancies in the cities of Olímpia, Colina, Pitangueiras, Guaíra, Tanabi and Guaraci, in São Paulo state.

Commercial director Gustavo Segantini talks with BNamericas about the boom and perspectives for the year.

BNamericas: What are the prospects for an increase in Tereos’ ethanol and biogas production in Brazil this year?

Segantini: For the 2022-23 harvest, we inaugurated our first biogas plant, in Cruz Alta, in São Paulo state, which has 1MW of installed capacity. 

Besides generating electricity, the biogas produced at the plant can also be used to produce biomethane, an alternative to fossil fuels. We have started tests with the supply of our fleet with the fuel and we expect to expand its use during the harvest. 

In relation to ethanol, the mix of the harvest continues to be more sugar oriented, as we closed the 2022-23 cycle with 67% of the raw material destined for sugar production. 

However, a highlight of the crop was record ethanol exports, which increased 25% compared to 2021. This year we'll have a greater potential due to investments in production capacity and certifications.

BNamericas: Do you plan investments to expand production capacity of these biofuels? 

Segantini: We're always looking for improvements in all our operational processes to expand production and seek the best sustainable practices. In addition, in 2022 we obtained international certifications CARB, which allows exports to California, and Bonsucro EU-RED, aimed at the European market, which allowed the opening of new markets and increased the export potential of the biofuel produced in the country. 

BNamericas: Has Tereos been successful in supplying electricity generated from biogas in the region served by CPFL Paulista? Can this initiative be expanded in the future? 

Segantini: Yes, currently the electric energy generated in the biogas plant is directed to small and medium-sized businesses, which are located in the interior of São Paulo, a region served by the distribution company CPFL Paulista, through a partnership with Lemon Energia. The biogas plant produces the equivalent of the consumption of about 85 small businesses or 1,000 residential customers, with the potential to double this volume in the medium term.