Brazil Energy Aviation Fuel
Brazil is emerging as a global leader in sustainable aviation fuel, offering U.S. companies opportunities in technology, financing, regulatory solutions, and partnerships to support large-scale production and decarbonization.
Brazil is emerging as a global leader in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, supported by abundant feedstock, favorable regulation, and growing investment. Sugarcane ethanol provides a strong base for Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) and HEFA pathways, while the Fuel for the Future Law introduces blending mandates starting in 2025, targeting a 1% emissions reduction by 2027 and 10% by 2037. Brazilian Development banks, including BNDES and FINEP, have pledged up to USD 1 billion in financing, complementing major private commitments such as Mubadala Capital’s USD 13.5 billion biofuels program and new facilities planned by Petrobras, BBF, Acelen, and Raízen.
By 2050, Brazil could produce up to 9 billion liters annually—enough to meet domestic demand and supply up to 35% of global SAF. Challenges remain, including high production costs compared with fossil jet fuel, infrastructure and financing gaps, and the need to ensure sustainable feedstock use.
Opportunities for U.S. Companies
Brazil’s SAF sector presents strong prospects for U.S. firms with advanced technologies and financing expertise. Conversion pathways such as ATJ, HEFA, and Fischer-Tropsch create opportunities for licensing agreements, joint ventures, and technology transfer. U.S. innovations in catalysts, process optimization, feedstock certification, and logistics can help reduce costs and scale production to international standards.
The SAF regulatory framework, including carbon credit mechanisms under Renovabio and CORSIA, also drives demand for digital platforms for emissions tracking, reporting, and verification. In parallel, Brazil’s National Hydrogen Program opens opportunities in electrolyzers, CO₂ capture, and synthetic SAF technologies.
Brazil’s SAF sector is at a turning point, with the potential to become one of the largest producers worldwide. U.S. companies can engage through technology provision, regulatory and digital solutions, and financing models to accelerate Brazil’s transition to large-scale SAF production. U.S. strengths in project finance, EPC contracting, and structured investment vehicles can further support Brazil’s SAF expansion.
For more information on opportunities for U.S. companies, please contact Igly Serafim Igly.Serafim@trade.gov, Energy Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service, São Paulo.