Petrobras has the first refinery in the country certified for SAF production

The Duque de Caxias Refinery (Reduc), in Rio de Janeiro, is the first refinery in Brazil certified to produce and commercialize SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) through the HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) co-processing route, one of the internationally recognized pathways considered a strategic solution for decarbonizing the aviation sector.

The ISCC CORSIA certification ensures strict sustainability and traceability standards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in international aviation markets. The certification process began after authorization was granted by the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels (ANP) for SAF production in May of this year, culminating in the issuance of the certificate by ISCC in October. SAF can directly replace conventional aviation kerosene without requiring modifications to aircraft or fueling infrastructure. This makes the fuel a practical and immediate solution to reduce emissions in the aviation sector.

Reduc has ANP authorization to incorporate up to 1.2% of renewable raw materials in SAF production through this route. The refinery is expected to begin production in the coming months, with plans to commercialize up to 50,000 m³ per month (10,000 bpd) of the fuel. The use of low-carbon-intensity feedstock and the renewable content obtained in the fuel comply with the requirement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from domestic aviation by 1% in 2027.

"Petrobras takes another step toward a just energy transition by offering the market a strategic solution that requires low investment and allows for rapid implementation, effectively contributing to the decarbonization of the aviation sector. At the same time, we are demonstrating the importance of investments in innovation and sustainability in Brazilian refining," says Petrobras' Director of Industrial Processes and Products, William França.

Petrobras aligned with the demands of a growing Market

The early start of SAF production ahead of current legislation, using the HEFA co-processing route, is essential for the aviation market, considering the sector's future requirements. Starting in 2027, airlines in Brazil will be required to use this type of fuel on international flights, in accordance with the Future Fuel Law and the mandatory phase of CORSIA.
 
"The SAF produced through co-processing is a competitive product that strengthens the just energy transition in the aviation sector and places Brazil at the forefront of the requirements of the Fuel of the Future initiative. By meeting strict international standards, it already demonstrates in practice how the national industry can anticipate global demands and pave the way for more sustainable aviation," says Petrobras' Director of Logistics, Commercialization, and Markets, Claudio Schlosser.

Recently, Petrobras achieved another milestone in the production of more sustainable fuels. The Henrique Lage Refinery (Revap), in São José dos Campos (SP), also conducted tests for the production of SAF through the co-processing of vegetable oil mixed with traditional petroleum streams.

About ISCC and CORSIA

ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) is a globally recognized certification system that ensures sustainability, traceability, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in biomass, biofuel, and circular raw material supply chains.

CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) is a program of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aimed at stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation. CORSIA allows the use of certified sustainable fuels, such as SAF, to reduce the aviation sector's carbon footprint.