Science Minister to Visit Brazil

Danish climate diplomacy prior to the UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen is set to continue next week.

This happens from Tuesday 18 November to Saturday 22 November, when Denmark's Science Minister, Helge Sander, travels to São Paulo in Brazil to participate in an international climate conference focusing on biofuel – one of the environmentally friendly energy sources of the future which is basically CO2 neutral.

Brazil's President, Lula da Silva, is in charge of the Conference, and he has invited the Danish Prime Minister, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, as a speaker. However, the Prime Minister will not be able to attend, so the Science Minister will participate on behalf of the Danish Government. More than 70 countries will be represented.

– Answers to the climatic challenges are to be found, not least, in new knowledge and new technologies in the energy sector. This applies especially to biofuels, where Denmark is at the forefront in terms of technological development. Increased Danish knowledge export can contribute to countries such as Brazil strengthening their climatic efforts. At the same time, we ourselves can learn from Brazil's long experience in producing traditional biofuels, says Science Minister Helge Sander.

Brazil already has a well-developed infrastructure and production for traditional biofuel, including conversion of sugar canes into energy. Several Danish companies and knowledge environments are well advanced in developing so-called second generation biofuels where waste – unlike crops – is converted into energy.

During his visit, Mr. Sander will meet with the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA), which collaborates with a number of Danish companies particularly on developing the biofuels of the future.

In addition, Mr. Sander will visit Brazil's largest and most recognised university – the University of São Paulo – which has more than 77,000 students.

– Brazil is a country in rapid development – also in the area of knowledge. This opens up new opportunities for Denmark – both in terms of export and closer interaction with attractive knowledge environments, says Science Minister Helge Sander.

In Brazil, Science Minister Helge Sander can be contacted via Communications Manager Niels Hovmand on mobile 40 82 89 58 or e-mail nho@vtu.dk.