The scarcity of world oil reserves and of other fossil fuels and their by-products, such as coal and diesel oil, is currently one of the deepest concerns of nations. A scientific community, particularly in the centres of technological studies of the hegemonic countries, which base their development projects on fossil fuels, is developping studies on radical changes in the  strategies and of new energetic matrices.

In this scenario, Brazil with its natural characteristics, gathers all conditions for ridding itself of the uncomfortable dependence on oil and its by-products. In Brazil, it is possible to preserve natural reserves and from them extract pure and renewable energy, based on nature’s privileged availability, achieve autonomy, sovereignty, and transform the country into the world’s main supplier for good and clean energy.

The energy that the sun radiates on the surface of the Brazilian continent in one day is equivalent to the energy produced in 24 hours by 360,000 thousand power plants of the size of ITAIPU. Biomass energy is renewable and clean, neither pollutes nor finishes. Green energy can shift Brazil from the Third World to the position of world leader.

For many years, Brazil lived a situation of political uncertainties, economic and social, with serious commitments to productive activity. This panorama generated habits based on immediate results, as survival tools for facing competition. Today, Brazil has a stable economic performance, strengthened by the opening process, in which the international market emerges along a new horizon.

In this condition, modernisation becomes a priority, since the competitive market demands serious planning, in the medium or long term.

Infrastructure supply is necessary for supporting development. In most regions of Brazil, energy supply is among the determining factors for many projects. In segments such as agribusiness and the forest-based industry, the process of development is strictly related to its capacity for generating specific solutions. One of these aspects is the generation of energy from its own activity.

Approximately 66% of Brazil’s territory is covered by forests. This percentage is recognised by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), as one of the highest in the world. However, Brazil is responsible for a 0.6% conversion rate for soil use, which is considered low.

Brazil also has the widest biodiversity and largest reserve of tropical forests in the world, besides holding a big participation in forestry resources from planted temperate forest. In the primary segment, the agricultural frontiers gain ever more space, with the plantation systems of large areas in soybean, corn, cotton, rice, sugarcane, and other cultures.

The energy crisis that in the last years has been directly affecting most of the Brazilian states confirms a strong dependence on water resources. The search for alternative energy sources has shown the priority need that has to be implemented. Some segments offer economic advantages for assisting in the increase Brazil’s energy generation capacity.

The large waste volume produced by most wood and furniture industries, without rational use, is determinant for actions oriented towards stimulating feasible and low cost alternatives for industries that use such waste for energy generation.

Its scope, however, also comprises other abundant raw materials such as sugarcane bagasse, waste from rice, citric fruits, soybean and, in many cases, urban waste.

It is estimated that only 45% of all raw materials used by the forest-based industry is transformed into commercial product. Approximately 20 million tonnes of forest waste in Brazil, in sawmills alone, do not have rational or economic use, not to mention other cultures. At  present, all projects, for reducing waste and using waste generated in any other productive process, are being stimulated.

There is much interest in stimulating the use of biomass for energy generation. Lack of information and incentives, restrictions in the productive or technological process, and the absence of entrepreneur motivation are some of difficulties faced.

The number of participant potential, for the supply of equipment, accessories, supplies, technology, and services, surpasses 500 companies. Even higher is the number of companies, institutions, cooperatives, and towns that may benefit from the stimulation and supply of adequate technologies for energy generation from biomass resources.

Segments comprised participating in the event:

Since it is priority subject in the domestic economy as a whole, interests extend themselves to several segments of the industry, commerce, agriculture, and public authorities.

The profile of the participants of the II International Bioenergy Congress concentrates: businesspeople, technicians, researchers, and students, besides professionals of the areas of agriculture, wood, panels, furniture, forestry, agribusiness, cooperatives, juice industry, ethanol, energy generation and distributing companies, as well as governmental leaders, mayors, state and municipal secretaries of agriculture, environment, science & technology, universities, technological institutes, suppliers and public service rendering companies. The universe of the agribusiness sector will be one of those that will benefit the most from the event.

In special regions that gather important factors with: high supply of biomass waste and/ or restrictions in electric energy supply, they will generate individually, or with the building of partnerships or cooperatives, important initiatives as a way of assuring future supply in electric energy, alleviating the concentration upon regional differences.

An event with international proportions demands a support structure based on knowledge, experience, and exchange of information.

The work integrates promoting entity authorities and sponsors responsible for basic guidelines, acting with the strategic and political-economical backing in the event.

The definition of the program, as well as its respective speakers, will rely on the support and indication of renown university professors and technicians from highly respected research centres, approaching all subjects related to Bioenergy and related issues.

A marketing structure will be assembled, with the purpose of acting directly in the organisation process, economic feasibility, preparation and production of support material necessary for turning the event feasible.

Porthus Eventos , with headquarters in Curitiba, will coordinate the event, making it possible to turn feasible and develop the entire process of holding and organisation of the event, with the support of serveral entities and universities, at national level.

The II International Bioenergy Congress will occur in the CIETEP/FIEP Centre of Events in Curitiba, State of Paraná, from June 12 to 14, 2007.

The space comprises a well-equipped auditorium with comfortable chairs and a sound system and climatisation, with capacity for 800 people, where the speeches and panels on the Bioenergy subject will occur.

In the lower floor of the Horácio Coimbra Exhibition Pavillion, space annex to the CIETEP/FIEP Centre of Events, an exhibition area will be assembled with various stands, for turning effective the participation of sponsors, technical supporters, universities, research centres, service rendering companies, and entities linked to the main subject of the event.

The international characteristic of the event demands previous promotion, facilitating agenda and planning of technicians and companies and, particularly, awareness-raising of entrepreneurs and authorities on the importance of this subject for sustainable development.