USJ receives permit to expand Sao Joao biomass plant

Brazil-based ethanol producer USJ Acucar e Alcool SA will expand its 12MW biomass plant in Sao Joao after receiving a permit from Brazilian regulator Aneel.

The facility, in Sao Paolo state, will have its capacity increased to 40MW. USJ will install an additional 28.75 MW unit to operate alongside the four 3MW bagasse-fuelled units currently on site.

The permit also allows USJ to become an independent power producer, and the new unit will let the company sell electricity through the power system.