Honeywell announced that its advanced modular Ecofining™ process technology, specialized pumps, compressors, and integrated control and safety systems will support sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel production at Acelen Renewables’ new greenfield biorefinery project in Bahia, Brazil. The project represents a significant step in expanding renewable fuel production capacity and strengthening Brazil’s position in the global energy transition. By combining cutting-edge process technology with automation expertise, Honeywell aims to help Acelen maximize efficiency while reducing project timelines and operational risks.
Meeting the Rising Global Demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
As the aviation industry intensifies efforts to decarbonize, demand for sustainable aviation fuel is expected to grow sharply over the coming decade. Industry forecasts indicate that SAF demand could approach 5,00,000 barrels per day within the next ten years. To address this growing market opportunity, refiners are increasingly seeking technologies that enable faster deployment and lower production costs. Honeywell’s modular delivery approach offers a practical solution by reducing construction schedules, minimizing onsite installation requirements, and accelerating time-to-production compared with conventional refinery development methods.
Bahia Biorefinery to Support Sustainable Economic Growth
According to Marcelo Cordaro, Chief Operating Officer of Acelen Renewables, the Bahia project is designed to create long-term environmental, social, and economic value. “Brazil is poised to produce the fuel of the future through a project that is sustainable economically, socially, and environmentally. The Bahia facility will support biodiversity conservation while fostering a sustainability-driven economy. Honeywell’s process technology and automation expertise will help us maximize the production of lower-emission fuels and meet the growing global demand for renewable energy solutions,” he said. The facility is expected to contribute to Brazil’s renewable energy ambitions while creating a scalable platform for low-carbon fuel production.
Ecofining Technology Converts Waste into Low-Carbon Fuels
At the heart of the project is Honeywell UOP’s Ecofining™ process technology, developed in collaboration with Eni SpA. The technology efficiently converts waste fats, oils, and greases into renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Importantly, SAF produced through the Ecofining process can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent when blended with conventional jet fuel. As a result, the technology offers airlines and fuel producers a viable pathway toward achieving carbon reduction targets without requiring major infrastructure changes. The process enables the use of multiple renewable feedstocks, improving operational flexibility and supporting a circular economy approach to fuel production.
Automation and Digitalization to Improve Plant Performance
Beyond process technology, Honeywell will provide its integrated control and safety systems to enhance plant operations and reliability. The automation platform combines Honeywell UOP’s extensive operational expertise with the capabilities of the Experion® Process Knowledge System (PKS). This integrated solution is designed to optimize plant performance, improve safety, and generate data-driven operational insights that support continuous improvement. By bringing process technology and automation together, Honeywell will enable greater digitalization across the facility, helping operators improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and achieve operational excellence.
Lowering Renewable Fuel Production Costs
Ken West, President and CEO of Honeywell Process Technology, highlighted the critical role technology plays in making renewable fuels more commercially competitive. “Low-carbon process technologies are helping companies like Acelen meet rising demand for renewable fuels while utilizing a diverse range of feedstocks. Technology and integrated automation are essential to reducing renewable fuel production costs, which is critical for broader market adoption. Continuous advancements in Honeywell’s technology have already lowered SAF production costs, and the use of innovative low-cost feedstocks will help drive costs down even further,” he said.
Leveraging Global Experience in Modular Process Solutions
Honeywell brings extensive experience to the project, having delivered more than 1,500 modular process units worldwide across a range of industrial technologies.mIts modular engineering approach has become increasingly attractive for renewable fuel projects because it reduces construction complexity, shortens project schedules, and lowers execution risks. Consequently, producers can bring new capacity online faster while maintaining high operational standards.
Advancing the Global Energy Transition
The collaboration between Honeywell and Acelen Renewables underscores the growing importance of advanced process technologies, automation, and digital solutions in scaling renewable fuel production. As per the press release, as governments and industries pursue decarbonization goals, projects such as the Bahia biorefinery will play an increasingly important role in expanding sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel supplies. Through this partnership, Honeywell and Acelen are helping accelerate the transition toward a lower-carbon energy future while strengthening the global renewable fuels value chain.
