Brazil has taken a significant step in the energy sector by developing the world’s first thermoelectric engine that uses ethanol as its main fuel, reaching a power of up to 600 MW. This advancement places Brazil in a prominent position, surpassing Europe in this innovative technology.
Brazil leads with an ethanol thermoelectric engine
The achievement was realized at the Suape Industrial Port Complex in the state of Pernambuco, where Suape Energia completed the installation of this pioneering engine together with the Finnish company Wärtsilä Energy. This project, named the Ethanol Project, is not just a laboratory promise; it is a technology that is advancing towards real operation.
The implementation of this engine represents an attempt to use ethanol, traditionally linked to transportation, to strengthen the electric grid during times of solar or wind insufficiency. The inauguration ceremony was held on May 28, marking the beginning of a new era for energy generation in Brazil.
The developed engine is almost entirely powered by ethanol and is in the phase of operational testing under real conditions. This initiative seeks to evaluate its performance and economic viability, according to Suape Energia.
With a capacity of 381.2 MW, the UTE Suape II plant, where the engine has been installed, is the largest thermoelectric power plant using fuel oil in Brazil. The introduction of this ethanol engine is a step towards a more sustainable future, although it does not immediately replace fossil thermal plants.
Brazil, the second-largest ethanol producer in the world after the United States, has an annual production of 36.830 billion liters, positioning it well to lead this energy transition.
Until now, ethanol has been primarily associated with flex vehicles and blending with gasoline, but this technology opens up new possibilities for its use in the electric sector, providing energy when other renewables are not sufficient.
The International Energy Agency highlights that bioenergy can offer low-emission electricity and manage the variability of other renewables like solar and wind. This dispatchable engine could be turned on according to demand, helping to stabilize the electric grid and prevent blackouts.
Nevertheless, the use of ethanol is not without challenges. Its environmental impact depends on the sustainability of its production. Irresponsible production can lead to issues such as loss of biodiversity or an increase in net emissions, warned the IEA.
José Faustino Cândido, technical director of Suape Energia, stated that the ethanol engine is already a reality and will now focus on validating its economic and technical viability. Wärtsilä estimates that up to 4000 hours of testing with the Wärtsilä 32M engine will be conducted over the next two years.
If successful, Brazil could open a new market for its ethanol, significantly contributing to solving one of the major challenges of the energy transition: increasing the use of renewables without sacrificing the stability of the electric grid.
The official statement was issued by the Suape Industrial Port Complex.
