The possible conflict between food production and the generation of renewable fuels – the argument used to attack the Brazilian research into biodiesel – was vehemently condemned at the round table whose theme was “Bioenergy – Biofuels as a viable alternative to fossil fuels” held Tuesday afternoon. The debate was part of the Global Forum on Renewable Energy program, which resumes today at Hotel Bourbon Cataratas in Foz do Iguaçu.

To João José de Nora Souto, the moderator of the discussion and Secretary for Oil, Natural Gas, and Renewable Energies of the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy, contrary to what its adversaries say, castor bean, palm oil, sunflower, and cotton crops (some of the main raw materials of biodiesel) do not compete against the production of food. Souto says an example of that will be given soon, when Brazil increases its demand for biodiesel. “As of the second semester of 2008, diesel obtained from oil will be added a mandatory 3% of biodiesel. In our country, only 0.6% of the entire farming area will be used to supply that demand”, he said.

Many of the diagnoses and conclusions were based on forecasts. Dan Arvizu, director of the US National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), said that “from 2005 to 2030 the planet will see a 55% increase in the consumption of energy.” A picture that in light of oil price increases requires the development of bioenergy. “However, this will not be possible without connecting and integrating technology, market, and politics”, he said. José Turbino, speaking on behalf of José Graziano da Silva, Latin American and Caribbean representative for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is optimistic. “In 20 years, biofuels are expected to supply 25% of the global demand”, he foresees.

Environmental and social benefits

In addition to the environmental gains provided by renewable fuels, their social benefits were also highlighted. Especially by the president of the Zambian Association of Biofuel Producers, Thomson Sinkala, and the national Colombian coordinator for the Sustainable Development of Biofuels, Arturo Infante. “In our country we have been experiencing quite a peculiar domestic conflict. Biofuels will have an essential role when this problem is solved”, said the Colombian. “It is a social fuel that moves climate change”, said the director of the Department for Renewable Fuels of the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ricardo Dornelles.

Without further ado, Dornelles went straight to the point. “Biofuels are the best alternative to fossil ones because they increase the diversity of the energy grid; help ensure food security by developing agriculture and generating sustainable income in the countryside; foster local and national economic development; and mitigate the effects of climate changes”, he said.

Brazil was once again elevated to the position of role model for the development of bioenergy. Dornelles cited the examples practiced in the country, where “ten multinational car makers manufacture nearly 100 different models of vehicles equipped with flex-fuel technology.” Mentioning Proálcool was also inevitable. “Approximately 1.2 billion barrels of oil have been saved in Brazil through the use of alcohol over the past 30 years”, noted Souto. The round table was also staffed by Helena Chum, NREL researcher.

Carlos Cristo	Ubirajara Meira	Esther Mfugate	Marcelina Mataveia
Pradeep Monga	Arnaldo Walter
	Ubirajara Meira
Ricardo de Gusmão      Dornelles	Telmo GabarainAstorqui	Semilda Silveira	Dan Arvizu