
Rio Grande, Brazil – Refinaria Riograndense has announced a transformative agreement with global technology leader Topsoe to equip its Rio Grande plant with HydroFlex™ and H2bridge™ technologies for producing renewable diesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The partnership aligns with Brazil’s ambitious airline emissions reduction targets and positions the refinery as a major player in the country’s growing renewable fuels market.
Riograndense is one of Brazil’s early movers to ensure SAF supply is available for airline operators on-time.” – Elena Scaltritti, Chief Commercial Officer, Topsoe
The upgraded facility will produce up to 16,000 barrels per day of renewable diesel and SAF from soybean oil and tallow feedstocks. Once operational in 2028, the plant is expected to avoid more than 2 million tonnes of CO2e emissions annually, equivalent to taking over 240,000 gasoline-powered cars off the road each year.
“We believe Topsoe is the right partner for Riograndense to progress towards the total conversion to a biorefinery, which will allow us to become a reference in SAF production in Brazil,” said Felipe Jorge, Managing Director at Riograndense.
Driving SAF Growth in Brazil
Brazil’s commitment to reducing airline emissions, formalized earlier this year, underpins the urgency of scaling SAF production. The partnership with Topsoe leverages proven technologies to meet this demand. HydroFlex™ enables the conversion of fats, oils, and greases into drop-in renewable fuels, while H2bridge™ enhances carbon efficiency by creating green hydrogen from process waste gases.
Elena Scaltritti, Chief Commercial Officer at Topsoe, highlighted the significance of the collaboration:
“Riograndense is one of Brazil’s early movers to ensure SAF supply is available for airline operators on-time. We look forward to partnering to grow the supply of renewable fuels in Brazil.”
Global Impact and Future Outlook
This project marks another milestone for Topsoe, which has successfully deployed its HydroFlex™ technology in facilities worldwide, including sites in Canada, Spain, Germany, and China. The Rio Grande plant will be a critical addition to Brazil’s renewable energy infrastructure and a significant step toward meeting global SAF targets.
The International Energy Agency’s Net Zero Scenario calls for SAF to account for over 10% of aviation fuel consumption by 2030. With current SAF production making up only 0.2% of total jet fuel demand, investments like this are pivotal in bridging the gap.