Honeywell has been selected to provide process technology and integrated plant systems for Acelen Renewables’ upcoming biofuels refinery in Bahia, Brazil, a project expected to become one of the world’s largest renewable fuels facilities.
The greenfield refinery will produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel using macaúba oil, a feedstock native to Brazil, supporting the country’s growing role in the global transition toward lower-emission fuels, World Pumps reported.
As part of the project, Honeywell will supply its modular Ecofining process technology along with specialised pumps, compressors and integrated automation, control and safety systems designed to improve plant efficiency and optimise renewable fuel production.
According to the company, the modular design approach is expected to shorten construction timelines and reduce development costs compared with traditional refinery construction methods.
The project comes amid rising global demand for sustainable aviation fuel. Honeywell said SAF demand is projected to approach 500,000 barrels per day over the next decade, increasing the need for rapid expansion of production capacity.
Commenting on the development, Marcelo Cordaro, Chief Operating Officer of Acelen Renewables, said the Bahia refinery represents an opportunity for Brazil to strengthen a sustainable fuel industry that delivers economic, social and environmental benefits.
He added that the project supports biodiversity and promotes a sustainability-driven economy, while Honeywell’s process and automation technologies are expected to maximise lower-emission fuel production and help meet growing international demand.
Honeywell’s UOP Ecofining technology, developed in partnership with Eni SpA, converts waste fats, oils and greases into renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. According to the company, the resulting fuel can lower greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 per cent when blended with conventional jet fuel.
Ken West, President and Chief Executive Officer of Honeywell Process Technology, said advances in process technology and integrated automation are helping reduce renewable fuel production costs and improve commercial viability.
He added that combining lower-cost feedstocks with technology improvements could further support wider adoption of sustainable aviation fuel.
Honeywell said it has delivered more than 1,500 modular process units globally and expects its integrated approach combining process technology, automation and digital capabilities to reduce project execution risks and support efficient operations at the Bahia refinery.
