In Brazil, Agave tequilana, a plant widely used in Mexico in the production of tequila, begins to gain new uses in Brazil. In a research conducted by Embrapa Cotton (PB) in partnership with the company Santa Anna Bioenergia (BA), the species is being studied as an alternative for ethanol production, carbon sequestration and animal feed. The proposal is to diversify the use of Agave as a renewable energy source adapted to the semi-arid, boost the bioeconomy and contribute to the energy transition in the country.
The study also includes other promising varieties of the genus Agave kept in the Active Bench of Germoplasma of Embrapa, for biomass production, including Agave sisalana (sisal), today used mainly for the production of ropes, carpets, carpets and in civil construction.
In addition to contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the study aims to develop a cultivation system for the production of Agave tequilana and other species with energy purposes. The aim is also to promote the best use of these plants, considering that, currently, only 4% of the biomass of Agave sisalana leaf is used in the industrialization process.
Tags: Brazil, ethanol, Petrobras
Category: Research
