NexSteppe, a company dedicated to work on next generation of sustainable feedstock solutions for the biobased industries, announced that it sold more than 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) of its Palo Alto high biomass sorghums for biopower in Brazil this past growing season. This makes it the market share leader in the fast-growing market for bioenergy sorghums in Brazil, with 65% market share.

NexSteppe’s Palo Alto high biomass sorghums can be used alongside bagasse and other sources of biomass to provide a source of renewable power. Unlike wind and solar, biopower is baseload power, meaning it is available 24/7. In addition to production of electricity for the grid, biopower can therefore also be used as onsite industrial power. This is common practice in Brazil for everything from sugar and ethanol production to grain drying to food processing.

As a result of the significant drought this year, Brazil is experiencing a shortage of hydropower, its main energy source. NexSteppe’s Palo Alto high biomass sorghums are therefore a welcome new addition to Brazil’s energy matrix. Because of their heat and drought tolerance, Palo Alto hybrids performed well even under this year’s extreme conditions.

NexSteppe’s Palo Alto high biomass sorghum hybrids provide a high-yielding, low-cost, high quality biomass feedstock for biopower. Designed to have low moisture levels at maturity, Palo Alto high biomass sorghums offer reduced harvest and transport costs and greater energy production.

With Brazil’s energy needs growing at 5% per year, Brazil have to add to its power generation capacity and diversify away from its dependence on hydropower. Given its immense agricultural resources, biopower can play a significant role in meeting Brazil's growing energy demand.

According to CEO, Anna Rath, “NexSteppe’s Palo Alto high biomass sorghums in Brazil are examples of our focus on bringing market with feedstock products that will enable the biobased industry to achieve scale, effectiveness and sustainability.”