Concentration and Spatial Clustering of Forest-Based Thermoelectric Plants in Brazil

This study analyzes the concentration and conglomerate spatial distribution of forest-based thermoelectric plants in Brazil, in 2018. Herein, we spatially identified thermoelectric plants in different Brazilian regions and states, and measured the state concentrations (levels 1 and 2 of forest) using various indicators, including the concentration ratio (<italic>CR</italic> (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$k$ </tex-math></inline-formula>)), the Herfindahl-Hirschman index (<italic>HHI</italic>), Theil’s entropy (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$E$ </tex-math></inline-formula>), and the Gini coefficient (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$G$ </tex-math></inline-formula>). Meanwhile, each state’s conglomerates were evaluated using the Scan statistic. We found that there are 98 forest-base thermoelectric plants in Brazil, most of which are located in the south-central portion of the country where there is rapid forest growth. The southern region contains 32.65% of the identified plants as a result of the presence of level 2 forest resources (black liquor and forest waste). Regarding the state’s concentration (forest level 1), <italic>CR</italic> (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$k$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) revealed a moderate concentration, the <italic>HHI</italic> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$E$ </tex-math></inline-formula> indices demonstrated low concentrations, and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$G$ </tex-math></inline-formula> suggested null to weak inequality. Of these Brazilian forest bioelectricity plants (level 1), 4 clusters were identified, but only one was statistically significant, located in the southern region. Concerning level 2 sources, the only statistically significant conglomerate regarding charcoal was centered in Açailândia (Maranhão). These findings will provide information to assist industry decision-making processes and help guide public policies for forest bioelectricity development in Brazil that favor energy security and improve resource utilization.