The Brazilian National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) has authorized the start of operations at the country’s first wheat-based ethanol facility. The facility, located in Santiago, Rio Grande do Sul, marks a significant milestone in Brazil’s biofuel diversification efforts, as reported by Brasil 247.
CB Bioenergia Begins Production
The authorization allows CB Bioenergia, a privately held company, to commence ethanol production at its Santiago plant. The federal government officially published the approval in its gazette, confirming regulatory clearance for operational activities. The project involved a construction investment of approximately $18.6 million.
Expansion Plans Target 50 Million Litres by 2027
Industry experts note that the plant’s capacity will rise to 45–50 million litres of ethanol per year by 2027. An additional investment of around US$93 million may be deployed to support this expansion, further strengthening Brazil’s biofuel production capabilities. CB Bioenergia obtained a state operating licence from the government of Rio Grande do Sul in November 2025, making the project feasible. This milestone highlights a coordinated federal-state approach to renewable energy development.
Wheat Joins Brazil’s Biofuel Crop Portfolio
As reported by chinimandi.com, the launch of the wheat-based ethanol plant broadens the range of agricultural crops used for biofuel production in Brazil. Traditionally dominated by sugarcane and corn, Brazil’s biofuel sector is now including wheat. This shift reflects the country’s focus on sustainable feedstock diversification to meet growing energy demand.
