Bioenergy in Latin America - statistics & facts

Bioenergy, derived from organic materials such as plants, agricultural residues, and waste, is an increasingly important component of the global energy mix as nations worldwide grapple with the dual challenges of energy security and climate change. Latin America is particularly well-positioned to benefit from this global shift towards bioenergy. The region boasts vast agricultural resources and a favorable climate for biomass production, making it a natural hub for bioenergy development.

Factors driving bioenergy growth in Latin America

Several factors drive the rapid growth of bioenergy in Latin America. The region's vast and fertile lands are ideal for large-scale biomass production, and its tropical climates are particularly favorable for cultivating energy crops like sugarcane and soybeans, which are crucial for biofuel production. For example, Brazil’s sugarcane production is expected to hit 41 million metric tons in 2023/24, and correspondingly its ethanol fuel output from sugarcane reached nearly 403 million metric tons in 2023. The use of waste residues for bioenergy is prevalent in Latin America. Technologies such as anaerobic digestion are employed to convert organic waste into biogas. Additionally, bagasse, a byproduct of the sugar industry, is widely used as a feedstock for both electrical and thermal bioenergy. In 2022, the energy capacity of solid biofuels, including bagasse, and renewable waste in Latin America and the Caribbean was approximately 22.7 gigawatts. The bioenergy industry offers the region significant benefits such as job creation and enhanced energy security. Additionally, as part of global efforts to combat climate change, Latin American nations are increasingly adopting renewable energy sources to lower carbon emissions and meet international sustainability targets. As such, supportive government policies, including subsidies, tax incentives, and blending mandates, have created an enabling environment for bioenergy development in Latin America.

Challenges faced by Latin America’s bioenergy industry

Despite the promising potential of bioenergy in Latin America, several challenges need to be addressed to ensure sustainable development. While there is significant use of waste residues for bioenergy, fresh energy crops remain a substantial part of the region’s bioenergy mix. As such, any expansion of these bioenergy crops could compete with food production, potentially leading to food security issues and subsequently higher food prices. Furthermore, whilst bioenergy is generally considered cleaner than fossil fuels, it can still have environmental consequences; with large-scale biomass production perpetuating the decline in forested land area, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. The bioenergy industry in Latin America represents a dynamic and rapidly growing sector. By capitalizing on its abundant agricultural resources and favorable climatic conditions, Latin America can play a pivotal role in the global transition to sustainable energy. However, addressing the associated challenges is essential to ensure that bioenergy development successfully contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable future for the region.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Jun 27, 2024

Key insights

Bioenergy capacity worldwide
150.26 GW
Bioenergy capacity in Latin America and the Caribbean
24.43 GW
Market size of the bioenergy sector in Latin America
12.01 bn USD
Get more insights

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Bioenergy capacity worldwide from 2009 to 2023 (in megawatts)

Renewable Energy

Global capacity of bioenergy power 2009-2023

Production of wood pellets worldwide in 2018, by select country (in million metric tons)

Renewable Energy

Global wood pellet production by select country 2018

Leading countries in bioenergy capacity worldwide in 2023

Renewable Energy

Global bioenergy capacity 2023, by country

Related topics

Recommended

4

Biofuel

5

Renewable energy

5

Recommended statistics

Overview

7

Overview

Market size

4

Market size

Bioenergy capacity

6

Bioenergy capacity

Solid biofuels and renewable waste

5

Solid biofuels and renewable waste

Biogas

5

Biogas

Biofuels

7

Biofuels

Outlook

2

Outlook

Further reportsGet the best reports to understand your industry

Renewable energy in Latin America
Renewable energy in Latin America
Global bioenergy industry
Global bioenergy industry
Biofuels in South America
Biofuels in South America
Renewable energy outlook in Latin America
Renewable energy outlook in Latin America
Bioenergy in Latin America
Bioenergy in Latin America

Contact

Get in touch with us. We are happy to help.
Statista Locations
Contact Meredith Alda
Meredith Alda
Sales Manager– Contact (United States)
Email
support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Contact Yolanda Mega
Yolanda Mega
Operations Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
asia.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Contact Kisara Mizuno
Kisara Mizuno
Senior Business Development Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
asia.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Contact Lodovica Biagi
Lodovica Biagi
Director of Operations– Contact (Europe)
Email
eu.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

Contact Carolina Dulin
Carolina Dulin
Group Director - LATAM– Contact (Latin America)
Email
latam@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Menu