Suape Energia launches world’s first ethanol-powered engine for thermal power generation

Suape Energia, based in Pernambuco’s port-industrial complex, held a ceremony, on Thursday (28), celebrating the implementation of Ethanol Project, a pioneering initiative involving the world’s first engine powered almost exclusively by ethanol for thermal power generation. Developed in partnership with Wärtsilä Energy, the project represents pivotal point for Brazil’s energy transition and places Pernambuco and Brazil at the center of discussions on innovation, decarbonization and energy security.

The event brought together representatives of the sugarcane-ethanol sector, public officials, members of the Pernambuco state government, the Port of Suape, the Energy Research Office (EPE), as well as executives and specialists from the electricity and energy sectors. The end of the implementation phase marks another important stage of the project, which now moves into the operational phase and toward future technological probe  in a real-world environment.

During the ceremony, speakers stressed the potential of ethanol as a strategic fuel for power generation, the positive impacts for the sugarcane production chain and the opportunities the technology could create for the development of cleaner, more flexible and more sustainable energy solutions.

“There is no doubt that the ethanol-powered engine is already a reality. Our goal now is to carry out tests, validate power generation with it, demonstrate its economic and financial viability and work toward consolidating it as a strategic solution,” said José Faustino Cândido, technical director at Suape Energia.

In addition to gains related to innovation and the energy transition, the project reinforces the potential for integration between the energy and sugarcane-ethanol sectors, expanding opportunities for Brazilian industry and regional development.

“We are facing a milestone for Brazil’s energy transition. The development of the world’s first engine for thermal power generation run almost exclusively by ethanol reinforces the role of the Suape Complex in building cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions. The initiative strengthens our energy transition hub, consolidating Suape as a strategic environment for innovation and decarbonization. The new technology positions Pernambuco as a benchmark in the sector,” said Suape CEO Armando Monteiro Bisneto.

“The challenge lies not on production or logistics, since Brazil is already a reference in this aspects, but making the advantages of ethanol-based power generation increasingly known as a clean, stable energy source with low environmental impact and a major contribution to job creation, economic development and the country’s energy independence,” said Giane Ferreira Moreira, administrative director and representative of Petrobras, a minority shareholder.

Also attending the event were Adriano Marcolino, general manager for Contracts & Upgrades at Wärtsilä Energy; Carolyne Frota, legal manager at Suape Energia; other representatives of Petrobras and the port-industrial complex; Guilherme Sá, Pernambuco’s executive secretary for energy; Renato Cunha, president of Sindaçúcar; and power sector specialist Reive Barros.

Suape Energia

Energética Suape II S.A. is a special-purpose company responsible for operating the Suape II thermal power plant, Brazil’s largest fuel oil-fired thermal plant, with installed capacity of 381.2 MW. The company’s mission is to contribute to the security and stability of the National Interconnected System, combining operational efficiency, reliability and technological innovation.

Source: Suape Energia

Sharing is caring!