Topsoe to Enable Sustainable Aviation Fuel Plant in Rio Grande, Brazil
Key Ideas
- Topsoe will support the development of a hydrogen-based sustainable aviation fuel plant in Rio Grande, Brazil, expected to produce 16,000 barrels per day of renewable diesel and SAF by the first half of 2028.
- Topsoe's HydroFlex and H2bridge technologies will convert soybean oil and tallow feedstocks into renewable jet and diesel fuels, with an annual emission avoidance of over 1.2 million tonnes of CO2e.
- The partnership between Topsoe and Riograndense aims to ensure a timely supply of SAF for airline operators in line with Brazil's ambitious emissions reduction targets, moving towards a total biorefinery conversion.
- Topsoe previously agreed with Sasol to establish a joint venture for producing SAFs, focusing on developing, building, and operating SAF plants to market green hydrogen-based aviation fuel.
Topsoe is set to facilitate the establishment of a hydrogen-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant in Rio Grande, Brazil. This commercial-scale facility, expected to commence operations in the first half of 2028, will have the capacity to produce 16,000 barrels per day of renewable diesel and SAF. Utilizing Topsoe's innovative HydroFlex and H2bridge technologies, the plant will transform soybean oil and tallow feedstocks into drop-in renewable jet and diesel fuels while ensuring an annual emission avoidance of more than 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
Elena Scaltritti, Chief Commercial Officer at Topsoe, highlighted Brazil's commitment to reducing airline emissions and praised Riograndense for being among the early adopters to secure SAF supply for airline operators. Felipe Jorge, Managing Director of Riograndense, expressed confidence in the partnership with Topsoe, emphasizing their journey towards full biorefinery conversion and becoming a leading producer of SAF in Brazil.
Additionally, Topsoe's collaboration with Sasol in establishing a joint venture signifies a strategic move towards green hydrogen-based SAF production. Through this partnership, the companies will focus on the development, construction, ownership, and operation of SAF plants to bring sustainable aviation fuel to the market, aligning with the global shift towards cleaner energy solutions in the aviation industry.