USGC promotes biofuels contribution to decarbonizing transportation

In Washington, D.C., the U.S. Grains Council’s Latin America office recently showcased ethanol’s role in long-term fuel decarbonization policies to 70 government officials from 19 different countries in the region and held webinars in partnership with the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) to promote the use of biofuels as the most reliable source for achieving government goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.

Speakers showed how policies in the United States and Brazil to decarbonize the transportation system through biofuels, although ambitious, have abated carbon dioxide emissions. These experiences indicate the potential for countries in the region with available land and suitable climate to embrace biofuels and develop bioenergy solutions.

Speakers at the event encouraged governments to deploy a set of several measures, including adding renewable energy carriers such as biofuels, to have the best chance of meeting ambitious decarbonization goals. Workshop attendees learned about the outlook for biofuels in Latin America and heard case studies from Brazil, Europe and the U.S. that showcased experiences with ethanol policies contributing to decarbonization.

The Council’s efforts in Latin America seek to increase ethanol blend levels in countries where local or imported ethanol is already being used and protect existing participation of U.S. ethanol across the region.