Tuesday August 12^th – Day 2

            We had breakfast at the hotel consisting of fruits, such as papaya and pineapple, and meat and cheese sandwiches.  Then we packed up and began our bus trip to Capivari de Baixo for lunch.  This was my first experience with the Brazilian buffet, which is a common popular style of dinning.  I also discovered that the coffee here, compared to coffee in the United States, is amazing!  After lunch we went on a tour at Tractebel Energia, a hydroelectric and thermal company.  Over 80% of the energy produced in Brazil is hydroelectric and the rest is through coal/gas, wind, and biomass.  It was interesting to hear about the company’s future goals because they differ from the United States immensely.  Brazil has so much hydroelectric power that during a drought Brazilian electricity is at stake, so Tractebel Energia is heading towards more stable sources of energy such as coal and gas even though they are fossil fuels.  The dependence on fossil fuels and the concern for the environment has increased the desire for renewable energy production in the United States.  I enjoyed learning about Tractebel Energia’s new projects in more sustainable practices such as capturing energy through ocean waves and reducing carbon credits through making a combination of 30% rice waste and 70% coal.  When burned for fuel it reduces the possible methane from rice waste entering into the atmosphere thus saving carbon emissions from contributing to greenhouse gases.  We took the bus to Osorio to stay for the night and have a shorter traveling distance for the plant visit tomorrow.  The weather showed its true colors as winter during the evening when the temperature dropped and it was slightly rainy.  We decided to take it easy tonight because of the weather and the area the hotel was in.  It was nice to get some much needed sleep after all of the excitement and traveling.