Petrobras, in collaboration with the Riograndense Refinery (RPR), has successfully conducted an industrial-scale co-processing test using pyrolysis bio-oil, a sustainable biomass-derived raw material. This innovative test integrated 5% pyrolysis bio-oil with traditional fossil feedstock, demonstrating a significant advancement in biofuel production. The RPR refinery, situated in Rio Grande, southern Brazil, is jointly owned by Petrobras, Ultra, and Braskem. Petrobras provided the technology for this successful trial, which was conducted over seven days and concluded on February 17th.

A dedicated technical team from Petrobras and RPR supported the commissioning, startup, operation, and shutdown stages throughout the bio-oil integration process. During co-processing at RPR’s fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit, the bio-oil was efficiently converted into valuable fuel products such as fuel gas, LPG, gasoline components, and marine fuel containing renewable content.

To enable this bio-oil and fossil feedstock combination, the FCC unit was adapted accordingly. The reactor catalyst utilized belongs to the ReNewFCC line, produced by Fábrica Carioca de Catalisadores (FCC S.A.), a joint venture between Petrobras and Ketjen. The renewable bio-oil fraction was sourced from Vallourec’s Florestal unit. This bio-oil production is ISCC PLUS certified and involves vapor condensation during eucalyptus charcoal production, which aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In late 2023, RPR achieved a world-first milestone by processing 100% vegetable oil in an FCC unit. This achievement enabled the production of fuels and chemical feedstocks like propylene and bio-aromatics (BTX - benzene, toluene, and xylenes) through technology developed by Petrobras’ Research, Development, and Innovation Center (CENPES).

Renata Baruzzi, Petrobras’ Director of Engineering, Technology, and Innovation, highlighted this accomplishment as a major step in biorefining advancements. She noted that this innovation opens the door for converting abundant wood and agroforestry residues into refinery-standard derivatives. William França, Petrobras’ Director of Industrial Processes and Products, emphasized the innovative approach of introducing bio-oil into existing refining infrastructure, reducing investment requirements and enhancing the energy transition process.

Petrobras’ Director of Energy Transition and Sustainability, Mauricio Tolmasquim, emphasized that this achievement strengthens Brazil's leadership in global energy transition efforts as COP30 approaches. These initiatives align with Petrobras' BioRefining Program, which has earmarked US$ 1.5 billion for investments outlined in the company’s 2025-29 Business Plan.

This milestone reflects Petrobras’ ongoing efforts to convert RPR into a dedicated biorefinery that continuously produces 100% renewable products. Petrobras' CEO, Magda Chambriard, reaffirmed the company's commitment to a sustainable energy future, emphasizing RPR's potential to become a global leader in renewable fuel production.