University of São Paulo, Institute of Electrotechnics and Energy, Av, Prof, Luciano Gualberto, São Paulo, SP 05508-010, Brazil. goldemb@iee.usp.br.
ABSTRACT: Ethanol is a biofuel that is used as a replacement for approximately 3% of the fossil-based gasoline consumed in the world today. Most of this biofuel is produced from sugarcane in Brazil and corn in the United States. We present here the rationale for the ethanol program in Brazil, its present 'status' and its perspectives. The environmental benefits of the program, particularly the contribution of ethanol to reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, are discussed, as well as the limitations to its expansion.