In line with its strategy to raise the share of energy it produces from renewable sources, Vale has been investing since 2008 in biodiesel production through a consortium with Brazilian company Biopalma da Amazônia S.A.
The initiative is designed to produce palm oil, which is then transformed into biodiesel. In turn, this biodiesel is used to produce “B20,” a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% fossil fuel diesel. In 2011, Vale acquired control of Biopalma, enabling B20 to be produced for use in all of the company’s operations in Carajás in the state of Pará, Brazil.
Vale’s objective is to use B20 as of 2015 to fuel its fleet of locomotives and heavy equipment and machinery in the country. Using B20 instead of regular diesel will directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the final consumption stage.