Potential for producing bio-fuel in the Amazon deforested areas

This paper analyzes the possibility of producing bio-fuel in the Amazon degraded lands. The aim here is to combine environmental concerns with an improvement of local people well-being. Firstly, a historical analysis is conducted in order to figure out the major deforestation driving forces in Amazon and to help to arrive at a feasible energy choice.Secondly, the geographical area is chosen. It is the spatial boundaries of Caraja´s Iron Ore Program in the southeastern Amazon where most of the deforestation has taken place in the last few decades. For this specific context, palm oil is chosen as a technological energy alternative due to its social production structure, its environmental benefits and its productivity.A quantified analysis is realized in terms of income generation (2000–3000 US$/family/yr), job creation (200,000–300,000 families settled), land required and restored (2–<f>3.2 million</f> ha), and carbon emission from fossil fuel avoided <f>(13.1 Mt C)</f>. Some recommendations related to institutional and economic barriers are proposed in order to encourage the technology penetration in the market. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]