Scaling SAF production in Latin America

ILX participated with syndicated loan originated by IDB Invest to a major downstream Brazilian energy player. The package supports the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of a greenfield Hydrotreated Esters and Fatty Acids biorefinery with an annual production capacity of approximately 900,000 tonnes, expected to become the largest sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) platform in Latin America. The project plans to integrate sustainably produced macaúba palm oil, sourced from degraded, unproductive land, thereby preventing indirect land use change risk associated with the production of other biofuel crops such as soybean. This approach strengthens supply chain sustainability and food security while supporting land restoration. The investment is fully aligned with climate finance objectives, with 100% of proceeds classified as climate finance. By expanding global production of sustainable aviation fuel, the project supports the decarbonisation of the aviation sector, where SAF is expected to contribute approximately 65% of the emissions reductions required to achieve net zero by 2050.