The Vice-President of the Government pointed out in Angra do Heroísmo that the solid fuel plant run by the company Natural Reason, which mainly produces biomass pellets for export and local marketing, is a "concrete example of a good private investment."

Speaking at the opening ceremony of this plant, Sérgio Ávila stressed that the project meets the government's strategy to "enhance endogenous resources and the production of tradable goods that can not only nullify imports but also increase the Region's export capacity."

"This aspect is reinforced by the replacement of fuels that weigh heavily on our balance" and, thus, will contribute to the generation of wealth," said Sérgio Ávila.

For the Vice-President of the Government, the project implemented by Natural Reason also brings added value since "it is associated with technology, innovation and the creation of skilled employment," making it "a model project" that is worthy of the classification as Regional Interest Project.

According to Sérgio Ávila, the plant opened today is the first of three to be installed in the Region, representing a total investment of 15 million Euros that will be reimbursed under the incentive measures in force; the amount may reach eight million Euros in the form of a non-repayable subsidy and two million Euros in repayable loan.

The Vice-President of the Government stressed the fact that the solid fuel plant is already supplying a dairy plant in the vicinity, which is a "good example" insofar as it allows the reduction of costs in such an important industry to the regional economy.

"The success of this business will also mark the success of a new phase in the development of the Region, where the support measures should be specifically directed to what is reflected in this industry," said Sérgio Ávila.

The Vice-President expressed the wish that "other companies have this vision in the capacity to value our endogenous resources and the capacity to produce tradable goods and services."

"If we want to define a future path for the economic development of our Region, this path is what we are living here today," said Sérgio Ávila.