Abstract The purpose of this study is to analyse the energetic potential of the vinasse coming from the distillation of rum. 10 to 15 l of vinasse are obtained for each unit of alcohol. This is being used as fertilizer for the cultivation of sugar cane. Three samples are analysed for physical, chemical and fuel properties: raw vinasse, its distillate and residue. The results demonstrated that raw vinasse can be used as an additive to liquid fuels with a calorific value of approximately 792 kJ/kg and a boiling point above that of flammability, which flavours the non-formation of vapours. The amount of solid waste present could be detrimental to atomization inside furnaces or its flow through combustion chambers, so it must be pre-treated.