Acelen Renewables to build SAF and renewable diesel biorefinery in Brazil

Acelen Renewables has confirmed a $1.5 billion (€1.29 billion) investment to develop one of Brazil’s largest integrated biorefineries dedicated to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel, marking a major expansion of the country’s low‑carbon fuels sector.

The project will use non‑food Carnaúba and Macaúba energy crops, grown on degraded land to avoid competition with food production.

According to the announcement, the facility is expected to begin operations in 2026, with projected output reaching 1  billion litres per year of renewable fuels once fully scaled.

The company emphasises that the biorefinery will support both domestic and international SAF demand, aligning with global aviation decarbonisation targets.

Acelen Renewables also highlighted the project’s socio‑e conomic benefits, including the creation of thousands of jobs across farming, logistics and industrial operations. The crops used will be cultivated through long‑term partnerships with local communities, supporting rural development while ensuring a stable feedstock supply.

This investment positions Brazil as a growing force in the global SAF market, complementing its established bioethanol and biodiesel industries. It also reflects increasing investor confidence in large‑scale renewable fuel infrastructure as airlines and regulators push for deeper emissions reductions.