Topsoe’s advanced technology selected for renewable diesel, SAF project in Uruguay

Topsoe, a leading global provider of advanced technology and solutions for the energy transition, announced Dec. 18 that it has signed an agreement with Administración Nacional de Combustibles, Alcohol y Portland, Uruguay’s state-owned energy company.  

Under this agreement, Topsoe will deliver technology and services for ANCAP’s hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) unit located at the La Teja Refinery in Montevideo. 

The project will use Topsoe’s HydroFlex® technology, proprietary equipment and catalysts enabling the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel. 

The project is expected to reach final-investment decision (FID) in 2027, with commercial operations due to begin in 2030.  

Once operational, the facility will use rapeseed oil and beef tallow as feedstock to produce approximately 3,000 barrels (126,000 gallons) of SAF and renewable diesel per day. 

The project when operational, will avoid over 390,000 tons of CO2 emissions—the equivalent of removing around 90,000 gas-powered passenger vehicles from the road for one year.  

“This project is an important step forward in advancing Uruguay’s sustainable fuel ambitions and, more importantly, resembles strong momentum for the rollout of renewable fuels across Latin America,” said Elena Scaltritti, the chief commercial officer at Topsoe. “This collaboration demonstrates how Topsoe’s proven technologies are contributing to creating progress on a global scale, and we look forward to working with ANCAP to deliver this critical project.” 

José Pastorino, energy products manager at ANCAP, added, “The HEFA project is the largest in the portfolio of the refining business for ANCAP. Furthermore, it is the most important project in terms of advancing towards our strategy for a more sustainable future for the energy landscape in Uruguay. We at ANCAP are eager to commence working in the engineering stage and look forward to working in it with Topsoe.” 

According to the International Energy Agency, aviation accounts for about 2 percent of CO2 emissions, and aviation emissions are expected to double by 2050 as aviation demand grows.  

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology estimates that in Latin America, air travel is expected to more than triple by 2050 and thereby double today’s aviation emissions in the region.  

This agreement will help to address the growing demand for SAF in the region.   

With HydroFlex, customers can convert various fats, oils and greases into drop-in renewable jet and diesel that meet all globally accepted specifications for these fuels.  

Topsoe’s HydroFlex can be deployed in both grassroots units and revamps for coprocessing or fully renewable applications.