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The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) and the Brazilian Studies and Projects Financing Agency (Finep) have received proposals totaling an impressive R$167 billion for the development of biorefineries in Brazil, focused on the production of sustainable aviation and navigation fuels. This amount far exceeds the R$6 billion in resources initially made available by BNDES and Finep to encourage projects in this area.
The initiative, led by Nova Indústria Brasil (NIB), had received 76 proposals by the end of October, when the joint public call closed. With the aim of fostering the development of biorefineries in Brazil, the call seeks to select business plans that meet the growing demand for sustainable fuels, such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and fuels for the shipping sector.
Development of biorefineries in Brazil: Commitment to local consumption and the Fuel of the Future Law
The projects received for the development of biorefineries in Brazil are a response to the sustainable consumption goals defined by the Fuel of the Future Law, sanctioned by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in October 2024. The legislation establishes guidelines for the gradual replacement of fossil fuels with sustainable options, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions in Brazil and meeting global environmental commitments.
According to BNDES, of the total number of proposals submitted, 43 were directed to the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), representing R$120 billion in potential investments. Another 33 proposals, totaling R$47 billion, were aimed at the development of marine fuels, demonstrating a strong interest in the advancement of biofuels in the country.
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Next steps and project evaluation
With the proposal submission phase completed, BNDES and Finep will now move on to the evaluation stage, in which the business plans that best meet the criteria of innovation and economic viability will be selected. The approved projects will be eligible for specific financial instruments offered by both BNDES and Finep, further strengthening the development of biorefineries in Brazil.
Strategic commitment to sustainability and global leadership
The investment in the development of biorefineries in Brazil is seen as an essential strategy to position the country as a global leader in the production of biofuels for aviation and navigation. BNDES president Aloizio Mercadante highlighted the potential of biofuels to reduce CO2 emissions, estimating that large-scale adoption of these fuels could reduce emissions by up to 94%.
“The quantity and the quality of proposals received demonstrate that Brazil has, in fact, all the conditions to become a global leader in the production of sustainable fuels for aviation and navigation”, stated Mercadante, reinforcing confidence in the sustainable progress of the sector.
For Finep president Celso Pansera, the significant volume of proposals demonstrates the Brazilian industrial sector's commitment to sustainability and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
“The huge demand reveals the government’s assertive commitment to building a low-carbon industrial policy, in line with a planet that needs to understand the importance of sustainability,” commented Pansera.
Importance of developing biorefineries in Brazil for the future of biofuels
The development of biorefineries in Brazil marks an important step in the search for viable alternatives to fossil fuels, especially in sectors such as aviation and shipping, which together account for around 5% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
Biorefineries, in addition to being able to supply low-carbon fuels, reinforce Brazil's leadership in the area of biofuels, paving the way for a greener industry aligned with the country's and the world's environmental commitments.
With the success of this public call, the Brazil strengthens its vanguard role in the global biofuels scenario, while investing in innovation and sustainability, paving the way for a cleaner and more promising future.
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