São Paulo, June 26, 2024 – Copersucar and Geo bio gas&carbon have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop technology for converting biogas into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This strategic partnership aims to leverage Copersucar’s significant scale in the sugarcane-energy sector with Geo’s expertise in biogas and biomethane production technology.
The collaboration’s goal is to enable large-scale SAF production in Brazil in the coming years, utilizing a new production route alongside ethanol (known as alcohol-to-jet – ATJ). As part of the partnership, the companies will build a commercial pilot plant, expected to begin operation in 2025. This project will employ the gas-to-liquid (GTL) route using Fischer-Tropsch technology, a chemical process for producing green liquid hydrocarbons from synthesis gas.
“The SAF produced from biogas/biomethane is a high-value product with a low carbon footprint, further expanding the use of sugarcane as a renewable energy source. This partnership could represent a new growth avenue for the Copersucar ecosystem, aligned with our strategy to provide scalable solutions for energy transition,” commented Tomás Manzano, Copersucar’s CEO.
“Biogas production routes from organic waste are crucial to positioning Brazil as a producer and exporter of advanced fuels with added value. This makes the country competitive in decarbonizing both the Brazilian air transport matrix and demanding international markets such as Europe. Our plant will be born with the foundations ready to rapidly elevate production to an industrial scale level,” emphasized Alessandro Gardemann, CEO of Geo.
Impact on the Aviation Industry
The partnership between Copersucar and Geo marks a significant step towards developing a sustainable aviation fuel industry in Brazil. The use of biogas and biomethane as feedstocks for SAF production presents a unique opportunity to utilize abundant organic waste resources in the country. By transforming waste into valuable SAF, this initiative supports the decarbonization of the aviation sector, both domestically and internationally.
The Fischer-Tropsch Technology
The Fischer-Tropsch process, central to this project, is a proven chemical technology for converting synthesis gas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) into liquid hydrocarbons. This technology allows for the production of high-quality SAF with a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional jet fuel. The ability to use a variety of waste-based feedstocks makes this approach particularly versatile and scalable.
“The SAF produced from biogas/biomethane is a high-value product with a low carbon footprint, further expanding the use of sugarcane as a renewable energy source,” – Tomás Manzano, Copersucar’s CEO.
Strategic Advantages for Brazil
By investing in advanced SAF production technologies, Brazil is positioning itself as a leader in the global transition to sustainable aviation. The partnership is expected to attract further investments and foster innovation in the renewable energy sector. It also aligns with Brazil’s broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development.
“Biogas production routes from organic waste are crucial to positioning Brazil as a producer and exporter of advanced fuels with added value,” – Alessandro Gardemann, CEO of Geo.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Copersucar and Geo to develop SAF technology from biogas represents a pivotal moment in Brazil’s energy transition journey. By creating a reliable and scalable production pathway for SAF, this partnership is set to make Brazil a hub for sustainable aviation fuel innovation and production. As the commercial pilot plant begins operations in 2025, the aviation industry can look forward to a significant boost in the availability of low-carbon fuels, driving the sector closer to its decarbonization goals.
About Copersucar
Structured as a unique and integrated ecosystem of specialized businesses, Copersucar S.A. offers scalable solutions in renewable energy and natural food that drive the energy transition and contribute to global food security. A global leader in sugar and ethanol trading, the company is a reference in the ethanol market, serving Brazilian demand through Evolua Etanol and the American market through Eco-Energy, where it also trades natural gas. In sugar, in addition to the domestic market, the company serves customers in over 70 countries through Alvean – specialized in sugar origination and trading, and operates an efficient export logistics system from Brazil.
About Geo
Geo bio gas&carbon specializes in biogas and biomethane production technology, focusing on converting organic waste into valuable energy sources. The company aims to position Brazil as a leader in the production and export of advanced fuels, supporting both domestic decarbonization efforts and international market demands.
