By Roberto Samora

SAO PAULO (Reuters) – The Brazilian state of Mato Grosso is investigating whether corn ethanol plants are burning wood from illegal deforestation to produce the biofuel, running counter to decarbonization goals in the sector, prosecutor Ana Luiza Peterlini told Reuters.

Mato Grosso is Brazil’s top soybean producer and accounts for two-thirds of the country’s corn ethanol output, which has exploded in recent years. The investigation by state prosecutors seeks to determine if plants are illegally burning native wood to generate energy in the production process, Peterlini said.

While processing plants should use planted trees to fuel boilers, some are burning native wood at about half the price, according to a complaint sent to prosecutors.

“I will investigate, for sure.

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