A brief history of energy biomass in Brazil

Energy biomass, in Brazil, can be considered one of the first fuels used in large scale, because of the biomass resources available in the country and their usefulness in simple technologies. This pioneer use began during the colonial (16(th) century) period when wood was harvested to use as a cooking fuel and to make charcoal. Forests were exploited without taking into account environmental aspects. Nevertheless, the exploration model during that time (subsistence economy) did not cause great loss of forests, because of the relatively small volume of wood extracted. Deforestation became an issue after sugar cane was introduced into Brazil, brought from India by the Portuguese. Sugar cane cultivation was well suited to the country: extensive tracts of land, high insolation rate, favorable climate, and good soil were available.