Moreover, this goal is a moving target, because the developmental of Sao Paulo will continue to progress. One idiom that Lautenschlager shared with us is "Sao Paulo is the locomotive of the train", signifying that the state is the driving force behind Brazil's economy. He supported this claim with several statistics. For example, Sao Paulo produces 33% of the national GDP, contains, 22% of the total population, and has a 50% higher GDP per capita compared to the rest of the country. Due to Sao Paulo's importance to the Brazilian economy, the state must not be allowed to stagnate developmentally if Brazil is to progress as a whole. This is why Lautenschlager's goal must account for a growing energy supply demand for Sao Paulo state.
Dr. Milton Lautenschlager
Dr. Lautenschlager then went on to outline his strategy for obtaining this goal. The plan relies on three pillars; biomass, wind, and solar energy. In his opinion, hydraulic energy potential has already been fully tapped for the state. Something I found very impressive about this multi-faceted solution is that it is conducive to consistency. When precipitation begins to decline in April, it has a negative effect on hydroelectric energy production. Fortunately, this coincides with the biomass harvest season, which makes up the deficit. Solar energy production peaks in September right before biomass energy production begins to decline. Wind power remains fairly consistent over the course of the year. I found this diversified plan and the statistics proving its benefits to really impressive.
Renewable Energy Generation by Month Directly from Dr. Lautenschlager's Presentation
Currently, Sao Paulo is recycling bagasse by combustion. This means they are simply burning the material to power steam engines. One scientific endevour explored by Sao Paulo is converting this bagasse to sugar, and then by fermentation to ethanol for transportation purposes. Also, there is a plan in the works to expand the biomass profile beyond bagasse by combusting / converting the peels of citrus fruits.
One student asked Lautenschlager if biomass is cutting into the food supply of Sao Paulo. He says this problem is not apparent (as with United States corn-ethanol production) because bagasse is a byproduct and Brazil already has extensive agricultural areas. My question to Dr. Lautenschlager was if he sees biomass as being always the key pillar to Sao Paulo's alternative energy production. I found his response quite amusing; "God is Brazilian, but I am not a prophet". In other words, he has no ability to predict these thing, affirming the need to invest in all alternative energy options. However, Brazil continues to be a country on the cutting edge of biomass utilization and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.
Total Energy Production for the World, Brazil, and Sao Paulo
A vast majority of Brazil's wind energy potential is situated in the north-eastern region of the country. However, Lautenschlager's team has been able to identify three areas where wind energy utilization is feasible. These three areas are Sorocaba, Bauru, and Campinas. Each area has its challenges and benefits. For example, Sorocaba is isolated from the Sao Paulo energy grid network, and an estimated 10% loss of energy would occur in transfer. In Campinas, which is an urban area, the price and availability of land is the main issue.
SoliClima Solar Water Heater
The solar energy potential of Sao Paulo is greater than that of the entire country of Germany, yet this potential is far from being utilized. The opportunities to use solar energy is focused in the north-western regions of Sao Paulo. Lautenschlager's strategy also includes using solar energy on the local level. In other words, buildings will be fit with solar panels for their own energy consumption. Lower income areas are being targeted for solar-thermal, which directly converts sunlight to heat from the water supply. Their are other sets of criteria for being on the solar energy target list. For example, buildings that have high roof surface area but low energy consumption could supply energy to the grid while fulfilling their requirements. These include supermarkets and the fast food supply chain Habib's. Public parks could also be explored as an option. Lautenschlager believes that success stories in these target areas will increase the public support and awareness of solar panels as an alternative energy option. One student brought up the question of who will pay for the solar panels on the FIFA stadiums. Lautenschlager says that only time will tell, and that asking for public money in the presence of the protests is unthinkable.
Solar Panels on Maracana Stadium
Dr. Lautenschlager also covered biogas production and remaining untapped hydroelectric in his presentation. He candidly denounced hydraulic fracturing for natural gas as a solution to Brazil's energy demands. As a land of rivers, Brazil contains a large portion of the world's potable water shelf. Lautenschlager sees contaminating this as an enormous moral crime. He also boldly stated that the United States should serve as a warning to other countries not to do this. This was a popular opinion among my peers, as we have all seen the Gasland documentary.
The Pinheiros River in Sao Paulo
To conclude his presentation, Dr. Lautenschlager opened the floor for questions. After an hour or so of answering our inquiries, he complimented us on the number of questions we asked. He said that he doesn't remember ever answering so many questions, and that this is the best thing that could happen to a professor.
To follow up, he asked us what we thought about his alternative energy plans and the current state of alternative energy in general. My response that was as Americans, who rely mostly on imports, natural gas, and other environmentally unfriendly fuels, we are thoroughly impressed. Lautenschlager replied that, for the sake of the truth, the Pinheiros river is as contaminated as it is today because the hydroelectric plant reduced the flow of the river. This comment really impressed me; politicians get a bad reputation, and having a state representative point out an unfortunate truth when he could have otherwise brushed it under the rug was surprising and reassuring. The alternative energy future of Sao Paulo is in good hands, and I look forward to seeing how the state progresses over the next few years.
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