Topsoe to provide tech for Brazil’s first SAF plant

Topsoe announced that it has signed an agreement with Refinaria de Petróleo Riograndense SA (Riograndense) to supply its HydroFlex and H2bridge technologies for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel production at Riograndense’s Rio Grande renewable fuels plant in Brazil.

“With Brazil setting ambitious airline emissions reduction targets in October this year, Riograndense is one of the country’s early movers to ensure SAF supply is available for airline operators on-time. We look forward to partnering with Riograndense to grow the supply of renewable fuels in Brazil,” said Elena Scaltritti, chief commercial officer, Topsoe.

Refinaria Riograndense, based in Rio Grande, Brazil, aims to produce 16,000 barrels per day of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Topsoe will deliver its HydroFlex and H2bridge technologies, enabling SAF and renewable diesel production from soybean oil and tallow feedstocks.

When Refinaria Riograndense’s plant is in full operation, Topsoe’s technology will expectedly enable an annual emission avoidance of more than 2m tonnes of CO2e.

“We believe Topsoe is the right partner for Riograndense to progress towards the total conversion to a biorefinery, which will allow us to become a reference in the SAF production in Brazil,” said Felipe Jorge, managing director, Riograndense.

The plant is expected to be operational in first half of 2028.