Brazil’s state-run oil giant Petrobras has announced a 5.5 billion reais ($960 million) investment to transform its Riograndense refinery into the country’s first biorefinery, marking a major step toward sustainable fuel production.
A Landmark Shift Toward Renewable Energy
The Riograndense refinery, located in Rio Grande do Sul, will become Brazil’s first refinery to operate without petroleum, according to Petrobras CEO Magda Chambriard. While no specific timeline was given for its completion, the initiative aligns with Petrobras’ broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and expand its role in the global energy transition.
Once operational, the refinery will produce 100% renewable jet fuel and diesel, which Chambriard described as a key milestone for the company’s biofuels expansion strategy.
The Rise of Biofuels in Brazil
This investment comes as Brazil strengthens its position as a global leader in biofuels, leveraging its abundant agricultural resources and expertise in ethanol and biodiesel production. The new biorefinery will process vegetable oils, animal fats, and other renewable feedstocks to manufacture sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and green diesel, reducing the carbon footprint of the transportation sector.