Brazil Launches World-First Ethanol-Powered Grid Engine

Brazil is undertaking a major biofuels experiment that could be majorly disruptive for the global energy landscape if it proves effective. The South American country is filthy rich in biomass, and is seeking to use ethanol in novel applications – in this case, to power the energy grid. A new ethanol-powered engine designed specifically to provide electricity to the grid was just launched at the Suape II power plant in Pernambuco, in a world first. Brazilian energy company Suape Energia has partnered with Finnish technology firm Wärtsilä…