Acelen Renováveis

What Acelen Renováveis does

Acelen Renováveis is a Brazilian renewable energy company, wholly owned by Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Capital, that is building an integrated "seed-to-fuel" value chain to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO/renewable diesel) from the macaúba palm (Acrocomia aculeata), a native Brazilian species grown exclusively on degraded pastureland. The company operates three integrated assets: the Acelen Agripark in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais (a 138-hectare macaúba R&D center with 10.5 million seedling/year capacity and the world's first industrial continuous-flow macaúba oil extraction), commercial farms beginning with Fazenda Campinas in Cachoeira, Bahia, and a HEFA biorefinery under construction in São Francisco do Conde, Bahia (1 billion liters/year combined SAF+HVO capacity, 20,000 barrels/day, operations targeted for 2029).

The technology stack combines proprietary macaúba agronomic IP — including a world-first 98.3%-complete reference genome developed with Esalq/USP and a novel germination protocol from Unimontes — with Honeywell UOP's Ecofining™ HEFA process (co-developed with Eni SpA) for hydroprocessing oils and fats into drop-in renewable fuels. Carbon intensity is projected at 19.32 gCO2eq/MJ, qualifying for the strictest EU RED III, US IRS blender's tax credit, and CORSIA compliance regimes. Blockchain-based traceability is delivered via the Finboot MARCO platform to satisfy certification requirements across EU, US, CORSIA, and Brazilian markets. Project Canary carbon credit issuance is being structured across 1,500 hectares over a minimum 40-year period.

Acelen's go-to-market is enterprise offtake-driven: approximately 90% of planned SAF output is pre-sold to buyers in the US and Europe via long-term contracts with Trafigura, Moeve, Bunge, and BGN. The company has secured US$1.5 billion in May 2026 project financing from a 12-institution consortium led by HSBC and IFC (with BNDES, AIIB, IDB Invest, KfW IPEX, BBVA, Bank of China, Bradesco, FAB, ADCB, and FinDev Canada), backed by US$3 billion in committed Mubadala equity for the first unit and a US$13.5B five-unit expansion roadmap. The biorefinery is pre-commercial; revenue is not expected until 2029.

Name

Acelen Renováveis

Legal name

Acelen Renováveis

Website

https://acelenrenovaveis.com.br

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Acelen Renováveis is a Mubadala Capital subsidiary building an integrated Brazilian macaúba-to-fuel business producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel and renewable diesel via HEFA technology, with ~90% of planned SAF output pre-sold to US and European offtake counterparties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Renewable Fuels

NAICS

Petroleum Refineries (324110), Fats and Oils Refining and Blending (311225), Starch and Vegetable Fats and Oils Manufacturing (31122), Soybean and Other Oilseed Processing (311224), Petrochemical Manufacturing (32511)

SIC

Petroleum Refining (2911), Fats & Oils (2070), Agricultural Production-Crops (100), Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860), Wholesale-Petroleum & Petroleum Products (No Bulk Stations) (5172)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Production (HEFA, FT, ATJ) (EUAAAHAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Renewable Diesel (HVO/HEFA) Production (EUAAAHAD), Biofuel Upgrading, Hydrotreating & Refining (Co-processing, Isomerization) (EUAAAHAG), Palm Oil Milling, Refining & Fractionation (AFAKAEAB), Biofuels & Renewable Fuels Switching (Biomethane/RNG, Bio-oils, Sustainable Biomass) (EUABAJAD)

Keywords

• Sustainable aviation fuel
• Renewable diesel production
• HEFA biorefinery
• Macauba feedstock
• Drop-in biofuels

Headquarters

HQ city

Abu Dhabi

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) Sales: Acelen Renováveis generates revenue from the production and sale of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to aviation companies and fuel distributors. Approximately 90% of planned SAF output has been pre-sold to markets in the US and Europe through offtake agreements. The fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel and is fully compatible as a drop-in substitute.
2. HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil / Renewable Diesel) Sales: Revenue from the sale of renewable diesel (HVO) produced via the HEFA process. The product is a drop-in fuel compatible with existing diesel engines and infrastructure, targeting heavy road transport operators in Brazil and international markets. Combined annual production capacity of 1 billion liters of SAF and HVO at the first biorefinery.
3. Carbon Credit Revenue: Potential revenue from carbon credits generated through the macaúba project's carbon sequestration capacity. Studies project up to 60 million tonnes of CO2eq capture during the project life. The project follows MRV (Measurable, Reportable, Verifiable) standards for carbon quantification. A carbon credit project is being implemented at the Cachoeira farm across 1,500 hectares over a minimum 40-year period.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Acelen Renováveis manufactures Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (HVO) from macauba oil and other renewable feedstocks using HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) processing technology. The company operates an integrated "seed-to-fuel" model that spans proprietary macauba cultivation on degraded pastures, the Acelen Agripark R&D and seedling production center, industrial-scale oil extraction, and a 1 billion liter-per-year HEFA biorefinery under construction in Bahia, Brazil. Combined capacity targets 20,000 barrels per day of feedstock processing, with first biorefinery operations expected to begin in 2029.

Product overview

Acelen Renováveis operates as an integrated renewable fuels company producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO/Diesel Renovável) through a vertically integrated model from macauba seed to fuel. The company combines three strategic assets: Acelen Agripark (innovation center for macauba research and seedling production), macauba farms, and the HEFA Biorefinery. Using HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) technology, the biorefinery converts macauba oil and conventional feedstocks into drop-in renewable fuels reducing emissions by up to 80%. The company also deploys MARCO Track & Trace blockchain platform for full supply chain traceability.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) Sustainable aviation fuel produced from macauba oil and other renewable feedstocks (including used cooking oil and waste fats) using HEFA technology. The product is a drop-in fuel requiring no modifications to aircraft engines or fueling infrastructure, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. Sold in bulk to airlines, aviation fuel distributors, and fuel marketing companies under long-term offtake agreements.
• HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil / Renewable Diesel) Renewable diesel produced from macauba oil and other renewable feedstocks via hydroprocessing. Drop-in fuel compatible with existing diesel engines, fueling infrastructure, and distribution networks, with up to 80% reduction in CO2 emissions versus fossil diesel. Targeted at heavy road transport fleet operators, logistics companies, and industrial fuel buyers in Brazil and internationally.
• HEFA Biorefinery (São Francisco do Conde) Integrated HEFA processing facility under construction in São Francisco do Conde, Bahia, with combined production capacity of 1 billion liters per year of SAF and renewable diesel (HVO) and 20,000 barrels per day of feedstock processing. Uses Honeywell UOP's modular Ecofining technology with Alfa Laval vegetable oil refining solutions. Strategically located adjacent to Mataripe Refinery and connected by pipeline to the Terminal de Madre de Deus for distribution.
• Acelen Agripark Agroindustrial technological innovation center in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, dedicated to macauba research, seed germination (1.7 million seeds per month), seedling production (10.5 million seedlings per year), and first-of-kind continuous-flow industrial macauba oil extraction (achieved January 2025). Includes 59 hectares of experiments, a 5-hectare nursery, and 27.7 hectares of Permanent Preservation Area. Hosts proprietary R&D partnerships with Esalq/USP, Unimontes, Embrapa, UFV, UFMG, IAC, UCDavis, and UFVJM.
• Macauba Cultivation Operations Commercial cultivation of native Brazilian macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata) on degraded pastures for biofuel feedstock. The palm delivers 7–10x higher oil productivity per hectare than soy and is grown exclusively on degraded land without displacing food production or causing deforestation. Approximately 20% of cultivated area is reserved for partnerships with 450+ family farming families and small producers under the Acelen Valoriza program.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 80% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to fossil jet fuel
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Honeywell UOPcoreTechnology or Integration · 21 May 2026Honeywell supplies its modular Ecofining™ process technology, specialized pumps, compressors, and integrated automation and safety systems for the biorefinery. The Ecofining technology, developed jointly with Eni SpA, converts waste fats, oils, and greases into renewable fuels. Honeywell's modular delivery model is designed to shorten construction timelines and reduce costs compared to traditional methods.
• Alfa LavalcoreTechnology or Integration · 21 May 2026Alfa Laval is responsible for developing and implementing the vegetable oil refining solution at the biorefinery, providing key process equipment for the HEFA production pathway.
• FinbootmajorTechnology or Integration · 24 March 2026A 12-month partnership to develop data infrastructure for tracking SAF and HVO production from macaúba biomass in Brazil. The project deploys Finboot's MARCO Track & Trace platform with blockchain tokenization to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance across the value chain, meeting requirements for EU, US, CORSIA, and Brazilian biofuel markets.
• AFRYcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAFRY was selected to carry out basic engineering of the biorefinery unit and provide consulting services to obtain the necessary Environmental Alteration License (LA) for the project.
• ConstrucapcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConstrucap is a key construction and engineering partner for the biorefinery project, involved in the large-scale industrial execution phase.
• TrafiguramajorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrafigura has a commercial agreement with Acelen for the purchase and marketing of renewable fuels (SAF and HVO) produced at the biorefinery.
• MoevemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMoeve (formerly Cepsa) has a commercial agreement with Acelen for the purchase and marketing of renewable fuels from the biorefinery.
• BungemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerBunge has a commercial agreement with Acelen for the supply of vegetable oils (soybean oil, used cooking oil) and offtake of finished renewable fuels.
• BGNmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerBGN has a commercial agreement with Acelen for the purchase and marketing of renewable fuels produced at the biorefinery.
• Esalq/USP (Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to develop a high-quality reference genome for macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata), achieving 98.3% genomic completeness — a world-first achievement enabling superior macaúba genetic selection and breeding for biofuel production.
• Embrapa (Agroenergia, Algodão, Florestas, Meio Norte, Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerR$13.7 million five-year cooperation agreement (funded by Embrapii and BNDES) for the domestication of macaúba and development of improved fruit processing technologies for SAF and HVO production. One of the most comprehensive macaúba R&D programs globally.
• Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros (Unimontes)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to develop a new, simplified protocol that significantly increased macaúba seed germination rates, addressing a key bottleneck in scaling macaúba cultivation commercially.
• Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partner contributing to macaúba agronomic research, best practices development, and optimization of the macaúba cultivation cycle for biofuel feedstock production.
• Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partner involved in macaúba R&D and innovation ecosystem.
• Instituto Agronômico de Campinas (IAC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner providing expertise in macaúba agronomics and crop development for biofuel applications.
• Universidade de Davis, California (UCDavis)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational academic research partner contributing expertise to macaúba R&D and agricultural best practices.
• Universidade Federal do Vale do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional university partner supporting macaúba research in the Norte de Minas region where Acelen Agripark and partner farms are located.
• INFLORminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology and consulting partner providing solutions for the macaúba supply chain and agricultural operations management.
• MultiCropsPlusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgricultural consulting partner supporting macaúba cultivation research and best practices.
• COOPERRIACHÃO (Cooperativa de Agricultores Familiares e Agroextrativista Ambiental do Vale do Riachão)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcelen Renováveis expanded institutional and technical support to COOPERRIACHÃO, helping the cooperative (450+ family agroextractive farming families) access approximately R$500,000 in government funding. Acelen also supports the cooperative through the Acelen Valoriza program, providing technical assistance and guaranteed macaúba purchase agreements. The cooperative's 1,400 community members in 62 communities are part of the macaúba supply chain.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• World Energy: World Energy is a SAF pioneer and one of the largest pure-play SAF producers in North America, operating the first fully commercial SAF facility in the US. It directly competes with Acelen in serving aviation customers seeking drop-in renewable fuels with regulatory compliance.
• SkyNRG: SkyNRG is a SAF-focused company operating a HEFA plant in the Netherlands (SkyNRG Rotterdam) and developing global SAF supply for the aviation industry. It is a direct peer in HEFA-based SAF production with a focus on long-term offtake contracts with airlines, similar to Acelen's commercial model.
• Diamond Green Diesel: Joint venture between Darling Ingredients and Valero, Diamond Green Diesel operates three HEFA biorefineries producing ~1.2 billion gallons/year of renewable diesel with SAF optionality. It is one of the largest renewable diesel producers globally and a close operational and commercial comparator to Acelen.
• UPM Biofuels: UPM produces renewable diesel and naphtha from crude tall oil (a residue from pulp manufacturing) at its Lappeenranta biorefinery. While using a different feedstock, it competes in the same advanced renewable diesel market with similar drop-in fuel characteristics.

Broad incumbents

• Neste: Neste is the world's largest producer of renewable diesel (HVO) and SAF from waste and residue feedstocks, with refineries in Singapore, Rotterdam, and Porvoo. It is the most direct incumbent and benchmark for Acelen Renováveis' HEFA pathway, scale ambitions, and offtake strategy.
• TotalEnergies (La Mède biorefinery): TotalEnergies operates a renewable fuels conversion unit at its La Mède refinery in France producing HVO and SAF, with broader investments in biofuels globally. It is a broad incumbent competitor targeting similar European aviation and heavy-transport customers as Acelen.
• bp (Castelón biorefinery): bp is investing heavily in biofuels, including a major renewable fuels project at its Castellón refinery in Spain targeting SAF and HVO production. As a broad incumbent, it is a direct competitor for European and global renewable fuel offtake agreements.
• Repsol: Repsol produces renewable fuels at its Cartagena refinery using waste-based feedstocks and is a major European producer of HVO and SAF. As a broad incumbent integrated oil and gas company entering renewable fuels, it competes for the same European offtake market that Acelen targets.
• Eni SpA (Enilive / Gela biorefinery): Eni co-developed the Ecofining HEFA technology with Honeywell UOP (which Acelen licenses) and operates biorefineries in Italy (Gela, Venice) producing HVO and SAF. It is both a technology path setter and a direct competitor in HEFA-based renewable fuels at scale.

Emerging players

• Gevo: Gevo is a renewable fuels and chemicals company focused on low-carbon intensity SAF and renewable gasoline using alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology. It is a partial comparator to Acelen in SAF end-market focus but uses a different production pathway, illustrating competing technology routes in the same market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@AcelenRenewables
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/acelen-renewables
• Instagraminstagram.com/acelenrenewables

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors12 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Acelen Renováveis