Petrobras adopts Honeywell ETJ technology to produce sustainable aviation fuel, advancing Brazil’s leadership in low-carbon aviation energy solutions and innovation.
Petrobras has chosen advanced process technology from Honeywell to support the development of a major sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) initiative at its REPLAN refinery in São Paulo, Brazil. Specifically, Petrobras will utilize Honeywell UOP’s Ethanol-to-Jet (ETJ) technology, which converts ethanol—a renewable and widely available resource—into aviation fuel. If the project moves forward as planned, the facility is expected to produce up to 10,000 barrels of SAF per day, making it the first large-scale ETJ-based production effort in Latin America.
The adoption of ETJ technology highlights Petrobras’s strategic commitment to sustainability and its efforts to reduce carbon emissions within the aviation sector. By using ethanol derived from agricultural sources, the process provides a cost-effective and scalable pathway to produce cleaner fuel alternatives. This approach not only supports environmental goals but also leverages Brazil’s strong agricultural base, where ethanol production is already well established and efficient.
According to Ken West, CEO of Honeywell Process Technology, the company has consistently focused on delivering innovative solutions that lower the cost of renewable fuel production while enabling the use of alternative feedstocks. Through the ETJ process, Petrobras is well-positioned to generate low-carbon fuels by utilizing agricultural byproducts, thereby contributing to global energy transition goals and addressing rising demand for cleaner aviation fuels.
The timing of this initiative is significant, as global demand for SAF is expected to increase rapidly in the coming years. Airlines and aviation stakeholders are under growing pressure to reduce their carbon footprints, leading to increased reliance on scalable and proven technologies like ETJ. Petrobras’s proposed facility at REPLAN could play a crucial role in meeting both domestic and international demand for sustainable jet fuel, while also helping airlines lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.
Brazil’s leadership in biofuel production further strengthens the viability of this project. The country is widely recognized for its efficient ethanol industry, which provides a reliable and abundant feedstock for SAF production. By capitalizing on these advantages, Petrobras aims to enhance Brazil’s position as a global leader in renewable aviation fuels.
José Fernandes, president of Honeywell Latin America, emphasized that Brazil possesses the necessary resources, technological expertise, and industry partnerships to become a dominant force in SAF production. He described the project as a major milestone that demonstrates how collaboration between key players can accelerate progress in the global energy transition.
The partnership between Petrobras and Honeywell is not new. The two companies have collaborated for years across various domains, including refining technologies, natural gas processing, and automation systems. Honeywell’s Experion PKS platform has already been implemented across Petrobras operations. More recently, their cooperation has expanded into renewable energy solutions. In 2024, Petrobras licensed Honeywell UOP’s HEFA technology to produce SAF and renewable diesel at its Presidente Bernardes Refinery in Cubatão, using feedstocks such as soybean oil and beef tallow.
Overall, this new ETJ project represents a significant step forward in sustainable fuel innovation, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to reducing emissions and advancing cleaner energy solutions for the aviation industry.
