The renewal of the energy matrix has made Brazil a global standout in energy cogeneration. While coal still accounts for 61% of global cogeneration—according to the Global CHP Market Overview report from December 2024—Brazil is moving in the opposite and more sustainable direction, aligned with global calls for cleaner energy production. In 2021, 69.2% of Brazil’s cogeneration came from renewable sources such as sugarcane bagasse, black liquor (from the pulp and paper industry), and wood chips. So explains Leonardo Nakamura, Energy Engineer at Cogen (Brazilian Association for the Cogeneration Industry).

According to Nakamura, Brazil’s leadership is largely due to the maturity of its agribusiness sector. "The industry has taken advantage of the abundance of biomass, invested in technology, and made intelligent use of industrial byproducts," he states.

The topic will be addressed during the 31st edition of Fenasucro & Agrocana, the only trade fair in the world exclusively focused on the bioenergy supply chain. The event will take place from August 12 to 15 at the Zanini Events Center in Sertãozinho, São Paulo.

Exports

In addition to being an international benchmark in the cogeneration sector, Brazil also has the potential to contribute globally by exporting biofuels, technology, and models of industrial integration with clean energy, says Nakamura. That’s why exporting biomass-based electricity to Argentina and Uruguay is on Cogen’s regulatory agenda this year. 

"This export opportunity represents a new frontier for the growth of cogeneration in Brazil. With regulated-market energy auctions losing traction and more players migrating to the free market, the chance to sell energy to neighboring countries such as Argentina and Uruguay is an attractive opportunity for the industry, with the potential to generate additional returns for bioelectricity projects," the engineer highlights.

This regional integration also strengthens energy security in the Southern Cone, creating opportunities for Brazil to position itself as a strategic supplier of clean energy. "There’s even potential to lead a green export corridor of renewable energy in South America," adds Nakamura.

What is energy cogeneration?

Cogeneration is the simultaneous and sequential production of two or more forms of energy from a single fuel source. The most common process involves the generation of electricity and thermal energy (heat or cooling) from biomass, natural gas, or other sources.

According to Nakamura, cogeneration systems offer numerous benefits, including reduced investment needs in energy transmission and distribution, lower energy losses, higher supply reliability, improved energy quality, and greater energy efficiency compared to traditional electricity generation systems.

Cogeneration in Brazil

Brazil currently has 21.9 GW of installed cogeneration capacity in commercial operation, based on June 2025 data consolidated by Cogen from the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel). This total represents 10.3% of the country's centralized electric power matrix, which stands at 212.6 GW.

Specifically for biomass, Brazil has 18.7 GW of cogeneration capacity in operation, with 13.03 GW coming from sugarcane bagasse and 5.7 GW from other sources, mainly black liquor and wood waste.

According to the 2024 Summary Report of the National Energy Balance (BEN), electricity generation from biomass reached a record 58.0 TWh in 2024—7% higher than the previous year—equivalent to 7.7% of all electricity generated in Brazil (731.3 TWh). 

“The goal of Fenasucro & Agrocana is to discuss the main trends in the bioenergy sector. That’s why, during the event, we will expand discussions on the importance of renewable cogeneration and Brazil’s global leadership in this field,” anticipates Paulo Montabone, the fair’s director.

Registration and FenaBio

Free registration for visitors, consultants, and the press is now open and can be completed through the event’s official website. Tickets for the FenaBio content programming can also be purchased exclusively through the site.

Fenasucro & Agrocana – Now in its 31st edition, Fenasucro & Agrocana remains committed to driving business, promoting technological updates, and encouraging networking among the key players in the bioenergy market.

With over three decades of history, Fenasucro & Agrocana is the largest event exclusively focused on bioenergy, bringing together top domestic and international manufacturers of equipment, solutions, and technologies for the production of biofuels and clean energy. The fair is organized by RX Brazil, with exclusive support from CEISE Br, and has become the leading platform for connecting the supply industry with buyers in the bioenergy sector. More information at www.fenasucro.com.br.