BBVA and Acelen Back One of Latin America’s Largest Sustainable Aviation Fuel Plants in Brazil

BBVA and Brazilian energy company Acelen are advancing one of the largest sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects in Latin America, reinforcing Brazil’s growing role in the global transition toward cleaner aviation and renewable energy solutions.

The initiative aims to develop large-scale SAF production capacity in Brazil, a country increasingly viewed as strategically positioned to become a major supplier of renewable fuels thanks to its agricultural resources, bioenergy expertise and industrial scale.

Sustainable aviation fuel has emerged as one of the aviation industry’s main tools to reduce carbon emissions as airlines and governments face mounting pressure to accelerate decarbonization efforts.

The project reflects growing international investment in alternative fuels linked to transportation, logistics and industrial decarbonization, particularly in sectors where electrification remains difficult.

For BBVA, the financing reinforces the bank’s broader strategy of supporting sustainable infrastructure and energy transition projects across Latin America and Europe.

Acelen, meanwhile, continues expanding its renewable energy ambitions following investments in refining, biofuels and low-carbon industrial development in Brazil.

The country is becoming increasingly important within the global SAF market due to its large ethanol and biomass industries, which provide competitive feedstock for renewable fuel production.

Industry analysts expect sustainable aviation fuel demand to rise sharply over the coming decade as airlines seek to meet emissions reduction targets while maintaining long-haul operations.

Europe is also playing a key role in driving SAF demand through stricter climate regulations and sustainability mandates for airlines operating within the European market.

For Latin America, the project highlights the region’s growing strategic importance in the global energy transition, particularly in industries linked to renewable fuels, green infrastructure and low-carbon exports.

The investment could also strengthen Brazil’s industrial positioning within international energy and aviation supply chains as countries compete to secure leadership in emerging clean technologies.

At the same time, challenges remain regarding production scale, infrastructure investment and the high cost of sustainable aviation fuel compared to conventional jet fuel.

The BBVA–Acelen project underscores Brazil’s potential to become a global hub for sustainable aviation fuel while reinforcing Latin America’s expanding role in the energy transition and low-carbon economy.