The CEO of ORPLANA, José Guilherme Nogueira, highlights the role of cane sugar at the Agro World Forum, discussing how bioenergy, biomethane, and SAF drive the energy transition and Brazil’s competitiveness on the global stage.
The global energy transition places Brazil in a strategically privileged position, with the sugar‑cane energy sector at the heart of this transformation. On Thursday, November 5, the Agro World Forum, held at the Renaissance São Paulo Hotel, became the main stage to discuss the future of agriculture, with a special focus on integrating agribusiness and renewable sources.
In this context, the participation of José Guilherme Nogueira, CEO of ORPLANA – the Organization of Sugar‑Cane Producers of Brazil – underscores the essential role of cane sugar in expanding bioenergy. The panel “Energy, Biofuels, and the New Frontier of Agribusiness” promises to outline the next steps for the sector, combining technical productivity with the pursuit of new clean‑energy sources.
The power of biomass in the new energy frontier
The debate on the new agribusiness frontier inevitably involves diversifying productive outputs. Beyond traditional sugar and ethanol, the sector is now turning its attention to high‑value technologies such as biomethane and sustainable aviation fuel, known as SAF. The efficiency achieved in cane cultivation enables this evolution, turning waste into low‑carbon fuel.
“The energy transformation starts in the field, with the ability to produce competitive and sustainable raw materials. Looking ahead, we are advancing cane‑sugar productivity, technologies, and production models capable of sustaining the expansion of bioenergy, biomethane, SAF, and new fuels. Brazil has the potential to turn the strength of the cane sector into a competitive advantage and increase its energy generation.”
Strategic Vision for Agribusiness
Under the central theme “Brazilian Agriculture in the New Global Order,” the forum brings together experts such as Giovana Araújo from KPMG, Giuliano Beggio Francischini of Beggio Lorenzo Agropecuária, and Plinio Nastari, president of DATAGRO. The diversity of voices on the panel reflects the need for a holistic view to ensure Brazil’s competitiveness remains strong over the next decade.
The exchange of knowledge among these leaders aims to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for strategic partnerships. The goal is to position Brazil not only as a food exporter but also as a giant in the production of clean energy and sustainable fuels, reinforcing the country’s relevance in the global decarbonization of the energy mix.
The impact of these discussions should guide sector policies and investments in the coming years. With advances in production technologies and growing global interest in renewable energy sources, sustainability in agribusiness becomes the pillar that will support the country’s economic development in the next decade, cementing sugarcane as an inexhaustible resource of innovation and energy for the future.