A brand-new hydrogen-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant is being set up in Brazil, specifically in Rio Grande and this project will be supported by Topsoe.

The decision behind having Topsoe support this project came from the benefits that Topsoe’s HydroFlex and H2Bridge technologies will bring to the project. These technologies will make SAF and the production of renewable diesel production from soybean oil and tallow feedstocks possible. HydroFlex works through turning fats, oils and greases into drop-in renewable jet and diesel fuels. From there, H2bridge creates green hydrogen out of waste gases produced by HydroFlex.

It has been predicted that the commercial-scale facility will produce 16,000 barrels of renewable diesel on a daily basis. Furthermore, the facility will also create SAF when it is operational in the first half of 2028.

It has been stated that when the Refinaria Riograndense plant is fully operational, Topsoe’s technology will enable an ‘annual emission avoidance of more than 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).’

Chief Commercial Officer at Topsoe, Elena Scaltritti, commented, “With Brazil setting ambitious airline emissions reduction targets in October this year, Riograndense is one of the country’s early movers to ensure SAF supply is available for airline operators on time.”

Managing Director for the Brazilian oil refinery company, Riograndense, Felipe Jorge, stated that, ‘Topsoe is the right partner to “progress towards the total conversion to a biorefinery.”’ Jorge continued, “[This] will allow us to become a reference in the SAF production in Brazil.”