Copersucar and Geo bio gas&carbon have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing technology to convert biogas into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). By leveraging Copersucar’s extensive presence in the sugarcane-energy sector and Geo’s expertise in biogas/biomethane production technology, the agreement intends to facilitate large-scale SAF production in Brazil in the coming years, using a new production route alongside ethanol (known as alcohol-to-jet – ATJ).
As part of this partnership, the companies will construct a commercial pilot plant that is expected to commence operations in 2025. The SAF production project from biogas/biomethane will utilize the gas-to-liquid (GTL) route employing Fischer-Tropsch technology, a chemical process for producing green liquid hydrocarbons from synthesis gas.
“The SAF derived from biogas/biomethane is a high-value product with a low carbon footprint, which further enhances the use of sugarcane as a renewable energy source. This collaboration could open up a new growth path for the Copersucar ecosystem, aligning with our strategy to offer scalable solutions for energy transition,” commented Tomás Manzano, CEO of Copersucar.
Alessandro Gardemann, CEO of Geo, underscored that “biogas production pathways from organic waste are pivotal in positioning Brazil as a producer and exporter of advanced fuels with added value. This enhances competitiveness in decarbonizing both the Brazilian air transport sector and demanding international markets such as Europe. Our facility will be established with the infrastructure ready to swiftly scale up production to an industrial level.”
