A Pioneering Project in Latin America
Honeywell announced today a significant step forward for sustainable aviation in the region: Petrobras has selected Honeywell UOP's Ethanol-to-Jet (ETJ) process technology for project development at its REPLAN refinery in São Paulo, Brazil. This landmark initiative, upon final approval, aims to produce up to 10,000 barrels per day of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), marking the first large-scale ETJ project in Latin America. Indeed, this collaboration signals a major leap in the continent's commitment to a greener future for flight.
Unlocking a Scalable and Viable Pathway to SAF
Fundamentally, Honeywell UOP's innovative ETJ technology provides a commercially attractive and scalable solution by utilizing ethanol—a widely available, renewable feedstock abundantly produced in Brazil. Therefore, Petrobras' strategic choice to leverage this homegrown resource powerfully reinforces its dedication to pioneering sustainable energy solutions and actively reducing the aviation sector's carbon footprint. As Ken West, president and CEO of Honeywell Process Technology, emphasized, "Honeywell has a long history of providing innovative process technologies to help customers leverage new feedstock options. With our ETJ technology, Petrobras is positioned to deliver low-carbon energy solutions, helping meet soaring global demand."
Meeting Soaring Global Demand with Local Advantage
With global demand for SAF projected to rise dramatically, refiners worldwide are urgently seeking reliable, replicable technologies to rapidly scale production. Consequently, the proposed REPLAN facility is strategically poised to make a substantial impact. By capitalizing on Brazil's highly efficient and established bioethanol industry, the project is expected to supply both domestic and international airlines with fuel that significantly cuts lifecycle emissions, thereby broadening access to renewable jet fuel. This initiative not only meets a market need but also solidifies Brazil's emerging role as a future leader in the global SAF landscape. José Fernandes, president of Honeywell Latin America, noted, "Brazil has the scale, feedstock, and partners to become a global powerhouse in SAF. This project is a major milestone demonstrating how collaboration can accelerate the energy transition."
Building on a Foundation of Trust and Shared Vision
Importantly, this ambitious venture builds upon a long-standing and trusted partnership between Petrobras and Honeywell. Their collaborative history spans decades, covering refining technology, natural gas processing, and the widespread deployment of Honeywell's Experion® Process Knowledge System (PKS) automation. In recent years, this partnership has naturally evolved to focus on renewable fuels, following Petrobras's 2024 decision to license Honeywell UOP's HEFA technology for another SAF project. Thus, the new ETJ project represents a deepening of a shared commitment to innovation and a sustainable energy future, combining proven expertise with a visionary goal.