Brazil is ramping up its investment in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production with plans to endow $1.1 billion.
The country’s development bank, BNDES, and the government funding agency Finep are offering 6 billion Brazilian reais in subsidised loans to stimulate local production of SAF for aviation and marine applications.
This financial support will be diverted towards advancing research, funding engineering projects, building industrial facilities, and purchasing essential machinery and equipment.
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“These credit lines are a crucial step towards ensuring Brazil’s leadership in the green fuel sector,” stated Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services in a recent announcement.
In addition to the funding, BNDES is exploring opportunities to directly invest in biofuel projects that align with Brazil’s environmental goals.
During a recent briefing, BNDES CEO Aloizio Mercadante highlighted this potential, saying, “We are prepared to consider partnerships in projects that contribute to our environmental objectives.”
The move comes during heightened activity in Brazil’s SAF sector. Raizen SA, a joint venture between Shell Plc and Cosan SA, has unveiled plans to build a jet fuel production facility.
BP Plc has also increased its investment in a Brazilian ethanol company certified for SAF production.
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Furthermore, Mubadala-backed Acelen Energia Renovável SA is set to develop a SAF plant in Bahia, and Petrobras is investigating SAF production capabilities in at least two of its refineries.
Mercadante has also stressed the need to retain investment within Brazil, particularly following Granbio’s recent decision to pursue a project in the U.S. after receiving an $80 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
“We must fight to keep investments here in Brazil, where they can most effectively support our economic and environmental ambitions,” Mercadante said.
As Brazil positions itself as a key player in the SAF market, this funding initiative reflects its determination to advance its green energy goals and solidify its role in the global sustainable fuel landscape.