In a significant stride toward sustainable energy solutions, Acelen Renewables has joined forces with Honeywell to implement its cutting-edge Ecofining technology. This collaboration aims to facilitate the efficient production of 20,000 barrels per day of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel at Acelen’s facility in Bahia, Brazil. The targeted fuels will be derived from a blend of inedible seed and waste oils, bolstering the company’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
Honeywell’s Ecofining process, developed in collaboration with Eni SpA, stands out as a capital- and cost-effective solution for converting waste fats, oils, and greases into renewable diesel and SAF. By blending these alternatives with conventional jet fuel, SAF usage can potentially reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 80%, making a substantial contribution to the global effort to combat climate change. Ecofining has been successfully utilized since 2013 for renewable diesel and since 2016 for SAF production, showcasing its efficacy in reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, particularly in the aviation sector.
Acelen Renewables’ decision to adopt Honeywell’s technology marks a significant milestone, making the company the 50th site to license Honeywell’s renewable fuels technology. The increasing demand for renewable fuels technologies, including Ecofining, reflects a global shift towards decarbonization efforts, especially in the aviation industry. Initiatives such as the SAF Grand Challenge and SAF tax credit in the U.S., alongside the European Council’s ‘Fit for 55’ package, are pivotal in driving the expansion of SAF production.
Ken West, President and CEO of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions, commented, “The dramatic growth in demand for renewable fuels technology illustrates that fuel producers are accelerating adoption of solutions to help meet ambitious decarbonization goals.” He emphasized Honeywell’s leadership in renewable fuels, celebrating the 50th license as a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Acelen Renewables, now part of a global network of companies licensing Honeywell’s renewable fuels technology, envisions producing one billion liters of Renewable Diesel and Sustainable Aviation Kerosene (SAF) annually from 2026 onwards. Marcelo Cordaro, COO of Acelen Renewables, stated, “Through our fully sustainable project—economically, socially, and environmentally responsible—we will show the world Brazil’s full capacity to produce the fuel of the future.”
