While the United States debates the benefits of weaning itself from foreign oil, one Western hemisphere neighbor has already moved boldly to achieve energy independence: Brazil. With record levels of ethanol production and the recent discovery of a monster underwater oil field, South America's largest country is on its way to becoming energy self-sufficient. Brazil's favorable energy position is due to a combination of foresight and good fortune: the government's decision years ago to mandate ethanol production to reduce oil dependency and the find of the massive offshore Tupi oil fields.
Foresight, Fortune Allow Brazil to Move Toward Energy Independence
