São Paulo – A group of 10 Brazilian companies and sectoral associations announced today (10th) the establishment of the Brazilian Alliance for Aviation Biofuels (Abraba). The organization, according to a release issued by the press office of Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer – which is a partner of the initiative –, will aim to encourage public and private actions geared towards “the development and certification of sustainable biofuels for aviation.”
In addition to the Embraer, the group comprises Algae Biotecnologia, Amyris Brasil, the Pinhão Manso Producers Association (ABPPM), the Association of Aerospace Industries of Brazil (Aiab), the São Paulo Sugarcane Agroindustry Union (Unica), and airlines Azul, Gol, TAM and Trip.
The group calls “sustainable biofuels” those with safety levels and cost similar to fossil fuels. Companies and organizations intend to achieve their goal by working in tandem with “public policymakers and opinion makers.”
“The global concern with climate change has led to a growing demand for renewable sources. The rise in emissions of greenhouse gases, coupled with uncertainty about the availability of fossil fuels, strengthens the need for seeking new alternatives,” says the release issued by the Embraer.
The group adds that aviation accounts for 2% of carbon gas emissions and that the development of renewable energy sources is crucial for the industry to grow “in a low carbon economy.”
The members of the Abraba also underscore that Brazil already possesses vast knowledge in developing alternative energies, especially ethanol and biodiesel, used in automobiles and lorries.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
