Topsoe’s tech selected for SAF project in Uruguay

Technology firm Topsoe said it has Uruguay’s state-owned energy company Administración Nacional de Combustibles, Alcohol y Portland (ANCAP) to deliver technology and services for HEFA unit located at the La Teja Refinery in Montevideo.

“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,” said José Pastorino, Energy Products Manager at ANCAP. “We at ANCAP are eager to commence working in the engineering stage and look forward to working in it with Topsoe.”

The project will use Topsoe’s HydroFlex technology, equipment and catalysts for SAF production.

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.

“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,” said Elena Scaltritti, chief commercial officer at Topsoe. “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.”

Earlier, Topsoe announced the signing of front-end engineering and design (FEED) agreement with Carbon Neutral Fuels (CNF) based on its SOEC electrolyzers for CNF’s commercial-scale e-SAF project called Project Starling.

This agreement marks the first commercial application of Topsoe’s SOEC technology for use in commercial SAF production.