Acelen Renováveis, a Brazilian company, is investing $3 billion in an initial phase to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel from the native macaúba palm. The ambitious project aims to position Brazil as a global leader in sustainable biofuels, with plans for an annual production of 1 million tons of fuel and the cultivation of 180,000 hectares of macaúba on degraded lands.
The project leverages Brazil's extensive degraded land for macaúba cultivation, aiming to establish the country as a leader in sustainable energy. An independent study by Fundação Getúlio Vargas projects an economic impact of $40 billion and the creation of up to 85,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Pedro Estrela, Vice President of New Business and Digital at Acelen Renováveis, emphasized the macaúba's potential. "It's another example of the capacity of Brazilian agribusiness to develop sustainable, scalable, abundant, and competitive energy solutions," Estrela stated. All cultivation will take place on degraded land, converting low-productivity areas into economic units.
Traceability is a crucial element of Acelen's strategy. A recent partnership with a Spanish firm will implement a digital traceability tool for macaúba, ensuring sustainable development from planting to biofuel production. This system will monitor practices and emissions, providing auditable proof of sustainability, essential for regulated markets such as Europe and the United States.
The European market, which mandated 2% SAF usage for airlines in 2023, is a strategic focus. The U.S. market is also developing incentives for renewable diesel and SAF. Brazil anticipates implementing its own SAF mandate by 2027, aligned with the CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) framework.
Macaúba was selected for its high oil yield, which is 10 times more per hectare than soy, and its resilience to temperature variations and water scarcity. It also contributes to the recovery of degraded land. The primary challenge involves domesticating this native plant for large-scale cultivation.
Acelen has established the Aelen Agripark, an advanced innovation and technology center in Montes Claros, Brazil, dedicated to macaúba domestication. The Agripark features laboratories for genetic mapping, seedling production (with 3 million seedlings already produced), and a pilot extraction plant capable of processing 2 tons of fruit per hour. The annual production target is 10.5 million macaúba seedlings.
The project incorporates a robust social responsibility component, engaging local communities and family farmers. Approximately 20% of the cultivated area, or 36,000 hectares, will involve partnerships with small producers, offering technological support, access to public policies, and guaranteed purchase contracts. This initiative aims to boost income and enhance living conditions in rural areas.
Founded in 2023 with investment from Mubadala Capital, Acelen Renováveis plans to construct the first Brazilian biorefinery starting in 2029. The long-term vision includes scaling to five modules, with a total investment of $15 billion, to further solidify Brazil's leadership in advanced biofuels. The project aims to decarbonize the aviation and road transport sectors by approximately 80% and sequester atmospheric carbon through macaúba cultivation.
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