KATZEN International, Inc., a leading U.S.-based innovator in bioethanol technology and engineering, has been chosen by Be8 S.A. to supply process technology and design for the second phase of its wheat-based ethanol facility in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul. Scheduled to commence operations in late 2026, the expanded plant will integrate the production of fuel ethanol, high-value vital wheat gluten, and DDGS (Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles), according to the press release.
The facility will process around 525,000 tons of winter cereals annually—including wheat, triticale, and corn—to yield an estimated 210 million liters of ethanol, 153,000 tons of DDGS, and 27,000 tons of vital gluten. The project will deploy KATZEN’s proprietary process technology through its Brazilian arm, KATZEN Brasil, which is responsible for engineering design, construction coordination, and startup services.
This project marks a significant step toward reducing Rio Grande do Sul’s reliance on imported ethanol, as current regional demand is met entirely by supplies from other Brazilian states. Additionally, with Brazil reportedly spending around US$40 million each year to import vital gluten—mainly from Europe—the plant’s output is expected to meet domestic needs and generate surplus for potential export, enhancing Brazil’s competitiveness in the global gluten market.
The development is expected to generate over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase, and 175 permanent positions once operational. It will also contribute to strengthening Brazil’s animal protein supply chain through increased availability of DDGS and foster the advancement of wheat-to-ethanol conversion technology, supporting higher income opportunities for regional cereal producers.
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to delivering high-performance, innovative solutions for the grain-based biofuels sector both in Brazil and globally,” said Dave Lococo, CEO of KATZEN. “We are proud to be supporting Be8’s ambitious goals with technology that drives both efficiency and sustainability.”
Erasmo Carlos Battistella, president of Be8, added, “We are advancing the ethanol plant project with strategic partnerships that will help us achieve our objectives in innovation and development. We are pleased to move forward with KATZEN’s support, with operations targeted for 2026.”
KATZEN’s process technology is already behind 60% of Brazil’s grain ethanol production and half of Europe’s ethanol output. Notable implementations include a 400-million-liter wheat-based ethanol plant in the UK and a 200-million-liter-per-year ethanol and gluten facility in Austria. The Be8 project underscores Brazil’s broader strategy to diversify its biofuel production base beyond sugarcane, unlocking the potential of underutilized grains as key contributors to national energy and food security.
