KATZEN selected to lead D&T for Be8’s wheat-to-ethanol Brazil plant

Scheduled for launch in late 2026, the plant will integrate the production of high-value wheat gluten, as well as ethanol and DDGs (Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles).
The unit will process 525,000 tons of winter cereals annually, including wheat, triticale, and corn, to produce 210 million litres of ethanol, 153,000 tons of DDGS and 27,000 tons of vital gluten.
The project utilises KATZEN's proprietary process technology through its subsidiary, KATZEN Brasil, which provides engineering design, construction liaison, and startup services.
With ethanol demand currently met entirely by imports from other Brazilian states, this plant represents an important step in reducing Rio Grande do Sul's dependence on external fuel sources.
Furthermore, according to Brazilian Wheat Industry Association (Abitrigo), Brazil spends approximately US$40 million annually importing vital gluten, primarily from Europe.
The Be8 plant's production is capable of meeting domestic demand and will have a surplus with potential for export, strengthening Brazil's position in this segment.
The project is expected to create more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and 175 permanent jobs upon completion. The initiative will also increase the DDGS for animal protein supply chain and promote the development of gene c technology for wheat-to-ethanol production, significantly boosting income for regional winter cereal agriculture.
"This partnership demonstrates our ongoing commitment to innovative, high-performance solutions for grain-based biofuels for the Brazilian and global markets," said Dave Lococo, CEO of KATZEN. "We are honoured to support Be8's vision with KATZEN technology, which not only increases efficiency but also promotes economic and environmental sustainability."
"We are moving forward with the ethanol plant project by bringing together strategic partners that will enable us to achieve our development and innovation goals, with operations scheduled for 2026," emphasised Erasmo Carlos Ba stella, president of Be8. "We are pleased to advance this project with KATZEN's partnership," he concluded.
