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Riograndense Refinery in RS Accelerates Transition to Biorefinery with Industrial Tests, Billion Investment, and Focus on Renewable Fuels, Green Diesel, and SAF, Driving Clean Energy in Brazil
The Riograndense Refinery, located in the municipality of Rio Grande, in RS, made significant progress throughout 2025 in the process that may transform it into the first biorefinery in Brazil. With investments estimated at R$ 5.5 billion, the project focuses on the production of renewable fuels, such as green diesel (HVO) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), aligning national refining with global decarbonization goals.
The industrial tests conducted confirmed the technical and environmental viability of the project. The details were reported in the newspaper A Hora do Sul this Saturday (27), which covered the experiments, investment plans, and statements from the refinery’s management.
Riograndense Refinery Strengthens Energy Transition in RS
With 88 years of operation, the Riograndense Refinery holds a historical role in the Brazilian energy sector. In 2025, however, the unit began to be recognized as one of the main vectors of energy transition in RS, by accelerating its conversion into a biorefinery.
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The strategic location, integrated with the Port of Rio Grande, enhances the plant’s logistical potential. This condition simplifies both the receipt of renewable raw materials and the shipment of renewable fuels to the international market, an essential factor for the project’s competitiveness.
Industrial Tests Confirm Viability of Biorefinery
The transformation process of the Riograndense Refinery began in May 2023, when the unit conducted a pioneering test by processing 100% soybean oil in its fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit. The experiment resulted in the first production and commercialization of Bio-GLP in Brazil, using technology developed by Petrobras.
In 2025, two new tests elevated the biorefinery project to a more advanced industrial level. The results confirmed technical maturity, operational safety, and environmental compliance, meeting standards required by the international renewable fuels market.
Riograndense Refinery and the Use of Non-Food Biomass
The first test of 2025 occurred in February and involved the co-processing of mineral feedstock with 5% bio-oil, an advanced raw material obtained from non-food biomass. With this, the Riograndense Refinery became the first in the country to produce fuels from cellulose.
This advancement widens the range of possible raw materials, including wood and agricultural residues, which are highly abundant in RS. Furthermore, it reinforces the sustainable character of the future biorefinery by reducing dependence on food inputs and increasing waste reuse.
Renewable Fuels Produced in Continuous Operation
The second test conducted in 2025 marked an even more relevant milestone. The refinery processed Technical Corn Oil (TCO), a residue from corn ethanol production, combined with soybean oil, resulting in the production of renewable fuel.
The difference was the continuous operation of the cracking unit, without the need to interrupt activities. The final product exhibited high quality, capable of being used as a component of automotive gasoline in international markets, which enhances the global reach of the Riograndense Refinery in the renewable fuels segment.
Billion Investments Boost the Biorefinery in RS
The project anticipates total investments of R$ 5.5 billion, focusing on the production of green diesel (HVO) and SAF. The industrial plan for the biorefinery includes the installation of units with an annual processing capacity of 800,000 tons of renewable raw materials.
In RS, the economic impact is significant. The expectation is for the generation of direct and indirect jobs, in addition to strengthening the logistics chain linked to agribusiness. The estimated investment for the plant in Rio Grande is approximately US$ 950 million, according to information released by the company.
Timeline of Riograndense Refinery and Investment Decision
The final investment decision is scheduled for the first half of 2026. If approved, the timeline indicates the start of construction in 2026, with a projected operational start in 2028.
Meanwhile, the Riograndense Refinery plans to start the operation of the fully renewable FCC as early as February 2026. This phase marks the effective beginning of the transition, gradually transforming the fossil refinery into a biorefinery focused on producing renewable fuels.
New Leadership Guides Transition of Riograndense Refinery
In November 2025, mechanical engineer Lício França took over as the superintendent director of the Riograndense Refinery, succeeding Felipe Jorge. With over 20 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, the executive’s main mission is to lead the energy transition process of the unit.
According to França, the change represents a complete redefinition of the business model, allowing the refinery to become competitive again and aligned with current environmental requirements.
Integration Between Biorefinery and Agribusiness in RS
One of the project’s pillars is the integration with agribusiness. The RS has a strong production of soy, corn, and agricultural residues, which become strategic inputs for the Riograndense Refinery.
This synergy strengthens a sustainable production chain, benefiting local producers, cooperatives, and logistics companies. Moreover, the reuse of previously discarded waste emphasizes the role of the biorefinery in the circular economy.
Renewable Fuels and Access to International Market
The production of green diesel and SAF positions the Riograndense Refinery in line with the main global decarbonization trends. Countries in Europe and North America are already requiring increasing percentages of renewable fuels in their energy matrices.
The direct connection to the port is a decisive strategic advantage. In RS, this feature facilitates export and enhances access to international markets, increasing the competitiveness of the future biorefinery in Brazil.
A New Industrial Cycle for the Riograndense Refinery
The transformation of the Riograndense Refinery represents more than a technological adaptation. It is a new industrial cycle, capable of repositioning the plant in the national and international energy landscape.
By investing in biorefinery and renewable fuels, RS establishes itself as a protagonist in the energy transition in Brazil. The project combines innovation, sustainability, and economic development, creating solid foundations for the coming decades and reinforcing Rio Grande’s strategic role in the future of clean energy.
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