UNICA says EPA is undercounting GHG emission reduction in Brazilian ethanol

In Brazil, UNICA released details of its 4-page response to the US EPA, UNICA suggested that EPA is wrong in concluding that Brazilian cane ethanol reduces GHG emissions by 44% considering a 2005 gasoline baseline.

UNICA said that the actual figure is an 82 percent reduction in GHGs.  out that sugarcane ethanol would reduce GHG emissions by 82% or more. UNICA also said that EPA did not properly offer emission credits in the production of electricity from sugarcane.

The Brazilian government has required the end of bagasse burning in open fields by 2017, and a major increase in conversion of bagasse to electricity via cellulosic or other means is expected to grow in popularity quickly.  The letter also criticizes the model used to calculate emissions resulting from ILUC effects, suggesting that, based on the findings of the Institute for International Trade Negotiations (ICONE), Brazil can meet increased U.S. demand for biofuels without causing deforestation or significant land use changes.

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