The Riograndense Refinery (RPR), located in Rio Grande (RS), Brazil, has become the country’s first plant capable of producing fuels with cellulosic content. Thanks to the implementation of innovative Petrobras technology, the refinery successfully completed the coprocessing test of bio-oil (biomass pyrolysis oil) with a mineral fuel blend.
From eucalyptus pulp to sustainable fuels
The trial, conducted at RPR’s fresh catalytic cracking (FCC) unit, ran for 7 days and concluded on February 17. During the process, systems were adapted to allow simultaneous processing of bio-oil and conventional diesel, thereby converting the bio-oil into several renewable products, including fuel gas , LPG, and components for gasoline and marine fuel.
[post_relacionado]The technology used, developed by the company’s Research, Development and Innovation Center (CENPES), has allowed bio-oil to be integrated into an existing refining plant, eliminating the need for new multi-million-dollar investments.
Petrobras technology for an energy transition
The recent trial represents a significant advance for global biorefining, as it could allow the transformation of wood and other widely available agroforestry residues into typical petroleum refining derivatives.
Renata Baruzzi, Director of Engineering, Technology and Innovation at Petrobras, mentioned
Bio-oil, certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), is produced from the condensation of vapors generated in the production of eucalyptus charcoal, an alternative that promotes sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions .
Petrobras’ BioRefining Program, which plans investments of up to $1.5 billion for the 2025-2029 period, seeks to position Brazil as a leader in global biorefining, producing renewable fuels and materials from vegetable oils.
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Source and photo: Petrobras