Acelen Renewables sees results after first year of $61.5M macaúba investment
In Brazil, Developed by Acelen Renewables, the energy company of Mubadala Capital, Acelen Agripark already operated, even before its official inauguration, structures dedicated to transforming macaúba into a viable culture on a commercial scale. In its first year of operation, the complex, located in Montes Claros (MG), advanced in one of the main historical challenges of the species: studies conducted in partnership with the State University of Montes Claros (Unimontes) achieved germination rates above 80%, compared to natural indices, ranging between 3% and 5%. To accelerate the development of the crop and its future application in the production of renewable fuels, Acelen Agripark integrates, in the same environment, biofactory, Research & Development (R&D) laboratory, pilot plant, nurseries and experimental areas, connecting scientific research, seedling production and macaúba processing.
The result of an investment of R$ 314 million, of which R$ 258 million financed by BNDES, Acelen Agripark brings together, in a single space, science, technology and innovation to create solutions that cover the entire production chain of macaúba, from genetic research and the production of seedlings to the industrial processing of fruits. More than an agro-industrial innovation center, the complex materializes Acelen Renewables’ strategy of transforming a Brazilian native species into a new platform for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (HVO).
One of the main highlights of this first year is the biofactory, considered the technological heart of Acelen Agripark. In a structure of 1,500 square meters of clean room, robotic processes allowed to overcome one of the greatest historical challenges of macaúba: the low and slow germination of seeds. With capacity to scarify up to 1.7 million seeds per month, at a rate of one second per unit, the biofactory made possible the production of seedlings on a commercial scale.
Another differential of the complex is LabNext, the laboratory responsible for research and development (R&D) and quality control activities. With installed capacity to perform up to 160 thousand analyzes per year, 87 high-tech equipment and 93 types of analysis, the space monitors all stages of the production chain, water, soil and fruits to oil and effluents, which ensures standardization, traceability and sustainability to the processes.
Category: Fuels
