Renewable energy

Guatemala’s Sugar Cane Agroindustry  is distinguished worldwide by its capacity to generate renewable energy from sugar cane bagasse, a valuable by-product of sugar production. This process not only contributes to the reduction of CO₂ emissions, but also plays a critical role in the stability of energy prices in the country.

Production process 

Renewable energy generation in Guatemala’s mills begins once the sugar cane has been processed to extract its juice, which turns into sugar. The residue remaining after this process is bagasse or biomass, a vegetable fiber rich in useful energy. This bagasse or biomass is transported to high efficiency boilers, where it is burned to generate steam at high temperatures. Steam moves turbines connected to electric generators, thus producing renewable energy. 

Contribution to the Sistema Nacional Interconectado 

During Harvest Season, co-generator mills provide approximately 30% of the energy that is used in Guatemala. In Zafra [Harvest] 2023/24, it was generated 2.822 GWh of renewable energy, equivalent to double the annual consumption of all municipal electricity companies in Guatemala or all the energy used by more than 1.1 million DEOCSA users during a year. 

Capacity and sustainability 

Mills have an installed capacity of 992.4 MW of renewable energy. During Zafra 2023/24, they used 33% of their production to self-supply, injecting the rest to the Sistema Nacional Interconectado [Interconnected National System] -SIN-. This achievement reflects the industry’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. 

Although bagasse or biomass is burned in the energy generation process, it remains a renewable resource as it comes from sugar cane, a crop that is renewed every year. Replanting and continuous harvesting of sugar cane ensures a sustainable supply of raw materials, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing carbon emissions, supporting the fight against climate change. 

Environmental Impact 

The use of sugar cane bagasse to generate energy prevents the release of more than 4 million tons of CO₂ into the environment each year. This significant reduction in emissions is due to the replacement of highly polluting fossil fuels with a renewable and sustainable energy source.