Honeywell modular technology to power, automate Acelen Renewables biofuel production

Honeywell announced June 17 that its modular Ecofining™ process technology, specialized pumps, compressors and integrated control and safety systems will help drive sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel production for Acelen Renewables’ greenfield site in Bahia, Brazil.

With SAF demand projected to increase to nearly 500,000 barrels (21 million gallons) per day over the next decade, refiners are looking for ways to scale production quickly and efficiently.

Honeywell said its modular delivery model shortens construction time and lowers costs, allowing SAF production faster than traditional methods.

“Brazil is set to produce the fuel of the future through a project that is sustainable—economically, socially and environmentally,” said Marcelo Cordaro, the chief operating officer of Acelen Renewables. “The Bahia facility project supports biodiversity and fosters an economy based on sustainability. Honeywell’s process technology and automation expertise will help maximize the production of lower-emission fuels at our facility, supporting the growing global demand for renewable fuels.”

The Honeywell UOP Ecofining process, developed with Eni S.p.A., efficiently converts waste fats, oils and greases into renewable diesel and SAF that can reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by up to 80 percent when blended with conventional jet fuel.

“Honeywell’s low-carbon process technologies are enabling companies like Acelen to address the growing demand for renewable fuels by using a variety of feedstocks,” said Ken West, president and CEO of Honeywell Process Technology. “Technology and integrated automation play a pivotal role in reducing the cost of renewable fuels, which is essential for broad adoption. Advances in Honeywell’s technology have reduced the cost to produce SAF and the use of novel, low-cost feedstocks will help further reduce production costs.”

Honeywell said it has delivered more than 1,500 modular process units across multiple technologies worldwide.

Honeywell’s integrated control and safety system is enriched by Honeywell UOP’s operational expertise and technologies and is embedded within the Experion® PKS platform.

“As a result, it can significantly reduce project timelines and risks while helping to optimize biofuel production to achieve operational excellence,” Honeywell stated. “The combination of process technology and automation provides a platform for digitization and data-driven operating insights.”