Black liquor is a residue from pulp production, composed mainly of lignin and chemicals from the cooking stage. After burning the black liquor in the recovery boiler, the chemicals are returned to the production process, and the steam generated is sent to the turbogenerators to convert thermal energy into electricity. This is the main fuel used by Suzano for power generation, which is complemented by forest biomass, generating clean and renewable energy.

As a result, most of Suzano's units are energy self-sufficient that is, they supply the demand for domestic consumption and still export the surplus to the National Interconnected System (SIN). This export contributes to the country's energy demand and the energy matrix renewability, supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Renewable energy generated from biomass in our industrial units and exported to the National Interconnected System.

Increase by 50% the export of renewable energy to the grid - from 214 MWm to 322 MWm by 2030.

In 2022, the overall export result was slightly lower compared to the previous year. The positive highlight is the increase in exports from the Imperatriz (MA) and Mucuri (BA) Units, with a growth of 120% and 15%, respectively, compared to 2021. The Imperatriz unit, in 2021, experienced a problem with its turbo generator, which resulted in a low export volume in the year, which justifies the increase once it returned to its operating rhythm. Together, both units represent 35% of Suzano's exports.

The main impact on the reduction was due to an occurrence in a turbogenerator at the Três Lagoas (MS) unit in the first half of 2022. This unit represents approximately 60% of Suzano's energy exports to the SIN. It is worth noting that in 2022, all the exporting units underwent a general maintenance shutdown, which reduces total energy generation and, consequently, exports.

In 2023, we have the continuity of the works to implement the new industrial unit in Ribas do Rio Pardo (MS). The Cerrado Project will add an installed power generation capacity of 384 MW, with high-tech and more efficient systems and processes, contributing to the supply of renewable energy to the Brazilian grid. The construction schedule is on schedule, and the start-up of the factory will take place in 2024.

The company's other industrial units continue to seek improvements in processes and efficiency. In this context, exchanges are scheduled for more efficient turbo generators in the Aracruz (ES) and Jacareí (SP) units, along with the Thor project, an initiative that has as its principle the application of machine learning to optimize the allocation of steam in turbo-generators and, consequently, increase power generation.