Topsoe’s advanced technology selected for SAF and RD project in Uruguay

Topsoe has signed an agreement with Administración Nacional de Combustibles, Alcohol y Portland (ANCAP), Uruguay’s state-owned energy company.
Under this agreement, Topsoe will deliver technology and services for ANCAP’s hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) unit located at the La Teja Refinery in Montevideo.
The project will use Topsoe’s HydroFlex® technology, proprietary equipment and catalysts enabling the production of SAF and renewable diesel.
The project is expected to reach Final Investment Decision (FiD) in 2027, with commercial operations due to begin in 2030. Once operational, the facility will use rapeseed oil and beef tallow as feedstock to produce approximately 3,000 barrels of SAF and renewable diesel per day.
The project when operational, will avoid over 390,000 tons of CO₂ emissions - the equivalent of removing around 90,000 petrol-powered passenger vehicles from the road for one year.
Elena Scaltritti, chief commercial officer at Topsoe, said: “This project is an important step forward in advancing Uruguay’s sustainable fuel ambitions and, more importantly, resembles strong momentum for the rollout of renewable fuels across Latin America. This collaboration demonstrates how Topsoe’s proven technologies are contributing to creating progress on a global scale, and we look forward to working with ANCAP to deliver this critical project.”
José Pastorino, energy products manager at ANCAP, said: “The HEFA project is the largest in the portfolio of the refining business for ANCAP. Furthermore, it is the most important project in terms of advancing towards our strategy for a more sustainable future for the energy landscape in Uruguay. We at ANCAP are eager to commence working in the engineering stage and look forward to working in it with Topsoe.”