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With an investment of R$8 billion, a new refinery in Bacabeira (MA) boosts SAF production and reinforces the role of the Northeast in the energy transition
Sustainable energy is on the rise, and the Brazilian Northeast has just entered the map with a major investment. Last Wednesday (9/10), the installation of a modular fuel refinery in the Bacabeira Export Processing Zone (ZPE) in Maranhão was approved. The highlight of this project, which has an investment of R$8 billion, is the production of SAF, sustainable aviation fuel, which is becoming one of the major bets to reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation sector. But how will this SAF refinery work, and what are the expected impacts? Let's understand this project better.
The SAF refinery investment project
The SAF refinery to be built in Bacabeira, Maranhão, is a bold bet that combines cutting-edge technology and sustainability. The project is being led by OilGroup, a partnership between the Brazilian OilGroup Brasil and the North American Oil Group Holding US, headquartered in Houston, Texas. And the objective is clear: to enter the sustainable fuels market with everything, especially SAF, which has been pointed out as the future of aviation.
In the first phase of the project, the refinery will have the capacity to refine 20 barrels of oil per day. But the expansion plan is already on the table, and in its third phase, this number could reach 50 barrels per day. This includes the production of not only SAF, but also regular diesel, renewable diesel, marine diesel and gasoline.
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The R$8 billion investment is a considerable amount, and this reflects the transformative potential that the refinery can bring to the region's economy. The facility is expected to generate thousands of empregos direct and indirect during the different phases of construction and operation. Bacabeira, which was already on Petrobras' radar in the past with the Premium I Refinery project (abandoned in 2015), now has the chance to consolidate itself as a new energy development hub.
The importance of the SAF refinery for the northeast
The arrival of the SAF refinery in the Northeast, more specifically in the Bacabeira ZPE, is an important milestone. The fuel Sustainable Aviation (SAF) is one of the most promising solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector, which is one of the biggest contributors to global pollution.
The Brazilian Northeast, which has already been standing out in the production of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, is now also entering the race to produce green fuels. This reinforces the region as a major hub for energy transition in Brazil. In addition, the Bacabeira EPZ offers special conditions for the production and export of fuels, which makes the project even more viable and attractive to investors.
According to Pedro Rocha Neto, superintendent of the Maranhão State Department of Economic Development, the refinery will be built in prefabricated modules, which speeds up installation and facilitates expansion. This modular model also ensures greater flexibility for future production adjustments, making the plant adaptable to changes in demand.
Modular refinery in Maranhão will also produce renewable diesel
The billion-dollar investment in the SAF refinery not only boosts the economy of Maranhão, but also places Brazil in a prominent position in the global energy transition. With the world increasingly concerned about sustainability, SAF presents itself as a fundamental alternative for the future of aviation. Countries and airlines are pushing for fuels with a lower carbon footprint, and the production of sustainable fuel in Brazil positions the country as a strategic supplier.
In addition to SAF, the refinery will also produce renewable diesel, another fuel that plays an important role in reducing pollutant emissions. Demand for alternatives to fossil diesel is growing, both in land and sea transportation, and this refinery can help meet this demand in a more sustainable way.
Another important point is the diversification of the energy matrix. Brazil already has a strong presence in renewable energy, and this project complements this trajectory, adding a new green fuel option to the national portfolio. The integration between renewable energy production and sustainable fuels is a big step towards consolidating the country as a reference in the sector.
A promising project, but with many challenges
Although the SAF refinery project is extremely promising, it is not without its challenges. Building a plant of this size requires time, resources and efficient coordination between the different stakeholders involved. Furthermore, the sustainable fuels sector is still in its early stages of development in Brazil, and continued efforts will be required to ensure that the market is prepared to absorb this new production.
Another point to be observed is the issue of competitiveness. Brazil is entering the race to produce SAF, but other countries are also investing heavily in this sector. The ability to produce and export sustainable fuel in a competitive manner will be fundamental to the success of this venture in the long term.
However, the fact that the project already has the support of important international players, such as Oil Group Holding US, and local incentives, such as the Bacabeira ZPE, indicates that the scenario is favorable. In addition, the alignment with public energy transition policies in Brazil, such as the new CAP (Growth Acceleration Program), shows that the government is committed to supporting sustainable initiatives.
