BAKU, Azerbaijan April 15. Petrobras has
selected ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) process technology developed by
Honeywell for a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project at its
REPLAN refinery in São Paulo, Trend reports via Honeywell.
According to the announcement, the project—pending final
approval—is expected to produce up to 10,000 barrels per day of
SAF, marking the first large-scale ETJ initiative in Latin
America.
The technology, provided by Honeywell UOP, converts ethanol into
jet fuel, offering a cost-effective and scalable pathway for SAF
production. The use of ethanol, a widely available renewable
feedstock in Brazil, highlights Petrobras’ strategy to expand
low-carbon energy solutions and reduce aviation emissions.
Growing global demand for SAF is driving refiners to adopt
scalable and proven technologies to accelerate production and
support the aviation sector’s decarbonization efforts. Leveraging
Brazil’s highly developed biofuel industry, the planned REPLAN
facility is expected to help airlines reduce lifecycle emissions
while expanding access to renewable jet fuel.
The initiative builds on a long-standing partnership between
Petrobras and Honeywell, which spans refining technologies, natural
gas processing, and automation systems. Their cooperation has
recently expanded into renewable fuels, including Petrobras’ 2024
decision to license Honeywell UOP’s HEFA technology for SAF and
renewable diesel production at the Presidente Bernardes refinery in
Cubatão, using feedstocks such as soybean oil and beef tallow.
