They have been talking about bio-fuels in Brussels. Brazil's president Lula da Silva was greeted by the president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, at an international conference on fuel made from plants. Brazil is already the world's biggest producer of ethanol. The European Commission has called for international development of bio-fuels but stressed that such fuel production must not damage the environment. President Lula da Silva underlined the importance of developing alternative energy sources.
"20 nations produce energy for around 200 countries," he said. "With the introduction of bio-fuels, more than 100 countries could become energy producers, making access to fuel more democratic."
One worry about bio-fuels, is the possible destruction of natural habitat to make room for the bio-mass crops. But the european commissioner for external relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner says it IS possible to produce eco-friendly fuel.
"If we manage things in the right way for instance for developing countries, if we try to open up our markets and if they have a chance to extend their agriculture production, they will benefit from it," she said. The EU has already committed itself to a target of 20 per cent renewable energy by the year 2020 - and wants bio-fuels to make up 10 per cent of fuel consumed until then.
"20 nations produce energy for around 200 countries," he said. "With the introduction of bio-fuels, more than 100 countries could become energy producers, making access to fuel more democratic."
One worry about bio-fuels, is the possible destruction of natural habitat to make room for the bio-mass crops. But the european commissioner for external relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner says it IS possible to produce eco-friendly fuel.
"If we manage things in the right way for instance for developing countries, if we try to open up our markets and if they have a chance to extend their agriculture production, they will benefit from it," she said. The EU has already committed itself to a target of 20 per cent renewable energy by the year 2020 - and wants bio-fuels to make up 10 per cent of fuel consumed until then.
