What is the significance of Acelen's licensing of Alfa Laval's HVO pre-treatment technology for its new bio-refinery in Brazil?

Acelen has licensed Alfa Laval's hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) pre-treatment technology for its new bio-refinery in Brazil, marking a strategic deployment of globally leading process technology to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The contract—valued at SEK 1.1 billion—is the largest single order in Alfa Laval's history, underscoring the scale and technological ambition of the project. The bio-refinery, designed for over 17,200 barrels per day, will use feedstocks including soybean oil, used cooking oil, and locally grown oil crops, with Alfa Laval supplying full pre-treatment equipment—including heat exchangers, separators, degumming, absorption, and wastewater treatment units. Funded with a total investment of approximately SEK 27 billion and scheduled to begin operations in 2029, the facility reflects Brazil’s long-standing policy-driven leadership in biofuels and aims to strengthen its global competitiveness in SAF production. Acelen, wholly owned by Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Capital, leverages this partnership to integrate cutting-edge, industrial-scale pre-treatment capabilities essential for high-yield, low-emission SAF manufacturing.

How does this project align with Brazil's position in the global biofuel industry?

This project directly reinforces Brazil’s established leadership in the global biofuel industry, built on decades of consistent policy support and domestic feedstock infrastructure. By deploying Alfa Laval’s advanced HVO pre-treatment technology at a massive scale—designed for over 17,200 barrels per day—the new bio-refinery elevates Brazil’s capacity to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a high-value, low-carbon fuel increasingly mandated by international aviation regulations. The choice of diversified, scalable feedstocks—including soybean oil, used cooking oil, and native oil crops—leverages Brazil’s agricultural strengths while supporting circular economy principles. With total investment reaching SEK 27 billion and commissioning targeted for 2029, the facility represents not just national industrial advancement but also a strategic response to global decarbonization demands in aviation. As stated in the news, Brazil’s sustained policy framework has already cemented its global biofuel leadership, and this project—backed by Mubadala Capital and enabled by Alfa Laval’s record-breaking technology contract—positions the country as a future hub for SAF export and innovation.

Acelen Licenses Alfa Laval HVO Technology for Bio-Refinery

Jul 3, 2026

Acelen signed a 1.1 billion SEK contract with Alfa Laval for HVO pre-treatment technology at its new Brazilian bio-refinery. The plant will produce sustainable aviation fuel with a daily capacity exceeding 17,200 barrels using various vegetable oils.

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2026-07-03

Acelen Licenses Alfa Laval HVO Technology for Bio-Refinery

Acelen Licenses Alfa Laval HVO Technology for Bio-Refinery

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