Palo Alto high biomass sorghum proves a success in Brazil
NexSteppe, a provider of sustainable feedstock solutions for the bio-based industries, has sold more than 1,000 hectares of its Palo Alto high biomass sorghums for biopower in Brazil this past growing season. The company now owns a 65% market share in the market for bioenergy sorghums in Brazil.
NexSteppe's Palo Alto high biomass sorghums can be used alongside bagasse and other sources of biomass to provide a source of renewable power. In addition to production of electricity for the grid, biopower can also be used as onsite industrial power, a common practice in Brazil.
As a result of the significant drought this year, Brazil is experiencing a shortage of hydropower, its main energy source. NexSteppe's Palo Alto high biomass sorghums are therefore a welcome new addition to Brazil's energy matrix. Because of their heat and drought tolerance, Palo Alto hybrids performed well even under this year's extreme conditions. Palo Alto high biomass sorghum hybrids provide a high-yielding, low-cost, high quality biomass feedstock for biopower. Designed to have low moisture levels at maturity, the sorghums offer reduced harvest and transport costs and greater energy production.
With Brazil's energy needs growing at 5% per year, Brazil needs to add to its power generation capacity and diversify away from its dependence on hydropower. Given its immense agricultural resources, biopower can play a significant role in meeting Brazil's growing energy demand.
According to CEO, Anna Rath: 'We are focused on bringing to market feedstock products that will enable the bio-based industries to achieve scale, cost-effectiveness and sustainability. We believe these products [Palo Alto high biomass sorghums] will play a critical role in enabling the continued development of these industries in Brazil and around the world. We are already seeing strong global demand for these products and have trials completed or in process with potential commercial partners in 12 countries on five continents.'
