Raízen, Shell and SENAI-SP announced the investment in the construction of the bioenergy centre, located in the planned neighborhood of Reserva Jequitibá, in Piracicaba. This pioneering event marks the start of work on the state-of-the-art cluster of laboratories and pilot factories, which will be located at the center of the agribusiness innovation ecosystem, close to the country’s relevant startups, companies and universities.
The mission of the new center is to develop solutions to remove carbon from sugarcane. In the first five years, the Bioenergy Center’s research will focus on efficiency and sustainability gains in the production process of second generation (E2G) ethanol, which is being produced on a commercial scale in the country.
The Bioenergy Center will receive an initial investment of approximately R$120 million, of which R$72 million will be financed by Shell Brasil, through resources from the Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) component of the National Petroleum Agency (ANP).
“The ANP regulation directs resources to research and development, and we seek to encourage this progress in the biofuels sector. Technology and innovation are essential in this energy transition journey. “We believe that establishing this center can contribute to finding solutions in line with our ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050,” commented Cristiano Pinto da Costa, President of Shell Brazil.
Demand for biofuels continues to grow, and Brazil is the leader and second-largest producer of ethanol. “The Bioenergy Center will enable technological gains to produce biofuels with a lower carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future. “Second generation ethanol is of global importance and presents itself as a fuel solution for sectors that are difficult to decarbonise,” adds Laurent Wittmans, Vice President of Shell Downstream Ventures Raízen. “From her.”
Raízen will contribute part of the investment, its industry and its expertise, directing applied research and ensuring the necessary structure for its implementation. The company, which has a presence throughout the sugarcane value chain, is a global reference in innovation through the production of second generation ethanol.
“The Bioenergy Center is another important step in strengthening the leading role of the energy and sugar sector in the energy transition. “At Raízen, we are committed to making a positive impact through our operations and products, investing in the development of green technologies and partnerships for the benefit of global sustainability,” commented Ricardo Musa, President CEO of Raízen.
SENAI-SP will be responsible for conducting research and bring the necessary competence for the success of very complex projects. “With a commitment to making the industry increasingly stronger, modern and sustainable, SENAI-SP integrates education, technology and innovation for various industrial sectors at all levels of technological maturity. The union of the skills of Raízen, Shell and SENAI will enhance synergies that have not been achieved,” says Fabricio Lopez, Director of the SENAI-SP Technology Area. It is yet to be explored, which enhances the country’s technological development.
Scheduled to open in 2026, the center will feature 2,500 square meters of space, laboratory environments and pilot plants specially designed to mimic industrial processes, promoting significant advances in applied research and development in the country. Industry portal
