The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will lend USD58 million to Acelen Renewables to support the development of a large-scale biorefinery project in Bahia, Brazil, according to a press release issued by AIIB on June 09, 2026. The financing will expand the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (HVO), contributing to the decarbonization of the aviation and heavy transport sectors. The project will utilize hydro-processed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) technology to convert various feedstocks into cleaner fuels. It represents one of the first large-scale private-sector SAF production facilities in Brazil. The investment underscores AIIB’s commitment to lower-carbon energy systems and regional economic development.
The new HEFA plant will have a processing capacity of about 20,000 barrels a day. It will convert feedstocks such as soybean oil, used cooking oil, and other waste-based inputs into SAF and HVO. Output is expected to serve both domestic and international markets. The facility is positioned to help establish a commercially viable SAF market in Brazil and abroad. It marks an important step in advancing renewable fuel production at industrial scale.
“By supporting the production of cost-competitive, lower-emission fuels, the project should help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation,” said Konstantin Limitovskiy, AIIB’s Chief Investment Officer, Public Sector (Region 2) & Project and Corporate Finance (Global) Clients.
He added that AIIB is helping accelerate Brazil’s transition toward lower-carbon energy systems. The investment is also expected to support employment and local economic development. It will strengthen technical capabilities in advanced biofuel production. The initiative aligns with broader sustainability objectives.
“The structuring of this financing confirms the project’s technical, financial, environmental and social robustness,” said Luiz de Mendonça, Chief Executive Officer of Acelen Renewables.
He noted that the company is now entering a new phase of large-scale industrial execution. The project demonstrates confidence among multilateral partners in Brazil’s renewable fuels sector. It reflects rigorous due diligence across multiple dimensions. The financing structure marks a significant milestone for Acelen Renewables.
As part of a broader financing package, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Inter-American Development Bank, and other development finance institutions are expected to participate alongside AIIB. The total project financing is anticipated to reach about USD1.5 billion. This partnership reflects strong international confidence in Brazil’s renewable fuels sector. It demonstrates the role of multilateral cooperation in mobilizing private capital for low-carbon fuel solutions. The collaboration signals continued momentum for sustainable infrastructure investment.
