Refinery becomes first to produce fuels with cellulosic content in Brazil

Petrobras and Riograndense Refinery (RPR) successfully completed an industrial scale co-processing test using 5% pyrolysis bio-oil combined with fossil feedstock.
The refinery, located in Rio Grande, southern Brazil, has Petrobras, Ultra and Braskem as shareholder companies.
Petrobras provided the technology for the co-processing test conducted at RPR's catalytic cracking unit, which lasted seven days and was concluded on February 17.
A highly specialised technical team from Petrobras and Riograndense offered support throughout the commissioning, startup, operation, and shutdown stages of the bio-oil supply to the process.
When co-processed at RPR's FCC unit, the bio-oil was converted into various fractions such as fuel gas, LPG, and components for gasoline formulation and marine fuel with renewable content.
Petrobras' director of industrial processes and products, William França, said "the innovative aspect of this new CENPES development is the bio-oil introduction into an existing refining asset, reducing the need for additional investments and opening a broader perspective in the energy transition and value generation for the industry".
According to Petrobras' director of energy transition and sustainability, Mauricio Tolmasquim, "with COP30 approaching, this innovation reinforces Petrobras' and Brazil's leadership on the international scenario, consolidating the company's role in driving technological solutions for the energy transition in our country".