On September the 8^th, 2025, we celebrated 100 years of ethanol fuel. Local authorities, descendants of Colonel Carlos Lyra, syndicate representatives, entrepreneurs in the business, work colleagues, family, and friends, gathered together on this event.

Here in Serra Grande research for ethanol fuel was first started by Colonel Carlos Lyra and, soon afterwards, in 1925, its commercial usage began, under Dr Salvador Lyra, the Colonel’s son.

All of us acknowledge the worldwide benefits of this innovative idea for a renewable and clean fuel. Many countries, in all continents, have embraced this initiative. Dr Plínio Nastari had a fundamental role in making this happen.*

Hearing about the State Government’s decision, together with Sindaçúcar Alagoas, of celebrating this anniversary here in Serra Grande, where it all began, we chose to build a monument to revive the history of alcohol, as well as the industry’s ability to overcome challenges.

This railway bridge had been submerged under the Canhoto River here at the headquarters of the sugar mill since the 2010 flood. The tank wagon was donated by DNIT and brought over from the collection of North-eastern Rail Network, which follows after the Great Western. The engine, which pulled loads of sugar and alcohol on Recife Harbour, was acquired in the 80s to replace firewood engines.

I should like to remark that this monument represents to me a tribute to all the workers in the company, for their strength and perseverance.

Luiz Antonio de Andrade Bezerra

*Dr Plínio Nastari’s speech is available in ARTICLES on this website.

Source: Fotos de Emerson Alves e Vídeo do Instagram Usina Caeté publicado em 11/09/2025

« Back