Shell CEO highlights Brazil's biofuels potential

Shell is upbeat on Brazil’s biofuel potential, especially second generation (2G) ethanol, CEO Wael Sawan said on Tuesday at the ROG.e conference in Rio de Janeiro.

2G ethanol is obtained through the processing of sugarcane bagasse. 

“Why is that important? Because the same amount of land will be able to produce 50% more ethanol,” Sawan said. 

Shell holds a 50% stake in Raízen, a JV with Brazilian energy giant Cosan which has two 2G ethanol plants in operation and building another four, while working on a project involving three plants. 

Meanwhile, Shell will continue to invest in oil and gas deepwater projects in partnership with Brazil’s Petrobras, said Sawan. 

The Anglo-Dutch major owns interests in pre-salt fields operated by the national oil company, such as Mero and Atapu. 

Other local market segments that are on Shell’s radar include renewable energy and natural gas (including LNG), he said. “We’re also looking into the arteries, on how to transport energy into and from Brazil.”