The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) on Jan. 8 announced it has approved R$1 billion ($165.48 million) in financing to support an 82 MMly (21.66 MMgy) cellulosic ethanol project under development by Raizen Energia S/A in Andradina, Sao Paulo.
Once operational, the facility will produce cellulosic ethanol from sugarcane bagasse. Specially formulated enzymes will extract sugars contained in the feedstock. Those sugars will then be fermented by yeast, producing second-generation ethanol.
Development of the facility is expected to create more than 1,500 direct jobs during the construction phase and 200 direct jobs to support plant operations.
According to information released by BNDES, the Andradina facility is one of six cellulosic ethanol plants that Raizen plans to develop by 2028. If all those plants become operational, Brazil’s cellulosic ethanol capacity could reach 440 MMly. Cellulosic ethanol produced at the facilities is expected to have applications in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), green hydrogen and marine fuel industries.
A full copy of the announcement is available on the BNDES website.
