An ethanol processing plant turns freshly cut cane into sugar using to decades-old machinery. This is designed by a Brazilian at the Palo Gordo refinery, which is two hours of drive away south of Guatemala City. The fuel made from a sugar by-product is called ethyl alcohol, and it is then mixed with gasoline, which not only reduces pollution but also lower its prices.
With a goal to reduce the region’s dependence on expensive imported oil, the plant is a new push across Central America. This follows the alternative energy powerhouse models undertaken in Brazil.
Erick Perez, who manages alcohol processing at the Palo Gordo plant, quipped,
Sugar cane has changed its name… Now we call it ‘energy cane’.
Via: Reuters
