Petrobras commits €1.1 billion to major renewable diesel and SAF expansion

Petrobras has approved a $1.2 billion (€1.1 billion) investment to develop a large‑scale renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) complex at its Presidente Bernardes Refinery (RPBC) in Cubatão, São Paulo.

This represents one of the company’s most significant strategic shifts towards low‑carbon fuels and underscores Brazil’s ambition to strengthen its position in the global renewable‑energy market.

The project will see the installation of new processing units designed to convert biogenic feedstocks—primarily waste oils, animal fats and other residues—into renewable diesel and SAF. Once operational, which Petrobras anticipates in 2030, the facility is expected to produce around 630,000 gallons per day of renewable fuels. This scale would place it among the largest renewable‑fuel production sites in Latin America.

Petrobras emphasises that the investment aligns with its long‑term decarbonisation strategy, aiming to diversify its downstream portfolio and reduce lifecycle emissions. Renewable diesel can deliver up to 90% lower emissions compared with fossil diesel, while SAF remains essential for reducing the climate impact of aviation, a sector with limited alternatives.

The RPBC upgrade is also expected to generate economic benefits across São Paulo state, supporting engineering, construction and supply‑chain employment.

For Brazil, the project complements its established leadership in ethanol and biodiesel, signalling a broader push into next‑generation fuels that meet international demand for cleaner energy.