FGV Energia and Petrobras have joined forces to launch an innovative project that converts fishing waste in Brazil’s Amazon Legal region into renewable energy and value-added products. This collaborative effort also includes the Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM) and the Senai Institute of Innovation in Biomass. The 18-month research, development and innovation (R&D&I) initiative was officially announced on June 5, World Environment Day, during a signing ceremony at Petrobras’ headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.

The project aims to transform fish waste into sustainable energy sources such as biogas, biomethane and biodiesel. It will also produce biofertilizers and ingredients for animal feed, creating a circular economy model that reduces environmental impacts while generating new economic opportunities for Amazonian communities.

“We want to turn an environmental problem into an economic opportunity, promoting a fairer and more sustainable energy transition,” said Carlos Quintella, executive director of FGV Energia. By converting what would typically be discarded as waste into clean energy and agricultural products, the initiative addresses environmental degradation and contributes to local economic resilience.

One of the project’s highlights is the development and installation of a modular pilot plant on UFAM’s campus. This facility will process fishing waste and test combinations with biodiesel by-products, such as glycerin, to optimize biogas production. The plant is designed to serve as a replicable model that can be implemented in other regions of Brazil, extending the project’s benefits beyond the Amazon.

Another significant component of the initiative is the creation of a Biogas and Biomethane Atlas. This tool will map the potential for generating renewable fuels across the Amazon and throughout Brazil. The atlas will be instrumental for energy planning, helping policymakers and investors identify regions with high biomass potential and inform sustainable infrastructure development.

The project also supports local fish farming communities by using protein-rich components of fish waste to produce animal feed. This solution addresses a major challenge in aquaculture: the high cost of feed. By providing a cost-effective and sustainable alternative, the project contributes to the economic viability of small-scale fish farmers.

Moreover, the initiative has a strong social dimension. In the Amazon region, nearly 50% of individuals employed in the fishing industry are women. By creating new roles and business opportunities in waste processing and renewable energy production, the project promotes gender equality and enhances the livelihoods of riverside populations.

Aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—such as affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), gender equality (SDG 5), no poverty (SDG 1), and climate action (SDG 13)—this partnership underscores how innovation and collaboration can drive inclusive, environmentally conscious development. Through this initiative, FGV Energia and Petrobras aim to set a precedent for turning local environmental challenges into sustainable solutions for Brazil and beyond.