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Breakthrough partnership shortens construction timelines by years while delivering sustainable aviation fuel that cuts greenhouse emissions up to 80%

Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) has announced a landmark agreement to deploy its modular Ecofining™ process technology, specialized pumps, compressors, and integrated control and safety systems to power Acelen Renewables' greenfield biofuel production facility in Bahia, Brazil. The project is expected to become one of the largest renewable fuel refineries in the world, producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel using macaúba oil—a sustainable feedstock native to Brazil.

As per Analytica’s latest published report, global sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market size was valued at USD 4.78 billion in 2025 and is projected to hit the market valuation of USD 162.16 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 42.25% during the forecast period 2026–2035.

Modular Technology Accelerates SAF Production at Unprecedented Speed

With sustainable aviation fuel demand projected to surge to nearly 500,000 barrels per day over the next decade, refiners are urgently seeking ways to scale production quickly and efficiently. Honeywell's modular delivery model addresses this critical challenge by significantly shortening construction time and lowering costs compared to traditional build methods.

The modular approach has already proven its value globally: Honeywell has delivered more than 1,500 modular process units across multiple technologies worldwide. This proven delivery model allows SAF production to begin faster than conventional refinery construction, which typically requires years of on-site building work.

Ecofining™ Process: 80% GHG Reduction with Native Brazilian Feedstock

The Honeywell UOP Ecofining process, developed in partnership with Eni SpA, efficiently converts waste fats, oils, and greases into renewable diesel and SAF. When blended with conventional jet fuel, the resulting fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%.

Acelen Renewables will leverage this technology to process macaúba oil—a sustainable feedstock native to Brazil—into renewable fuels. This strategic choice supports biodiversity while fostering an economy based on sustainability, according to project leadership.

"Brazil is set to produce the fuel of the future through a project that is sustainable—economically, socially, and environmentally," said Marcelo Cordaro, COO of Acelen Renewables. "The Bahia facility project supports biodiversity and fosters an economy based on sustainability. Honeywell's process technology and automation expertise will help maximize the production of lower-emission fuels at our facility, supporting the growing global demand for renewable fuels".

Integrated Automation Reduces Costs and Optimizes Biofuel Production

Honeywell's integrated control and safety system, embedded within the Experion® PKS platform, combines process technology with automation expertise enriched by Honeywell UOP's vast operational knowledge. This integrated approach delivers multiple benefits:

Ken West, president and CEO of Honeywell Process Technology, emphasized the strategic importance: "Technology and integrated automation play a pivotal role in reducing the cost of renewable fuels, which is essential for broad adoption. Advances in Honeywell's technology have reduced the cost to produce SAF and the use of novel, low-cost feedstocks will help further reduce production costs".