Firefly Green Fuels, the British developer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), has signed a memorandum of understanding with Sanepar, one of the largest water and wastewater companies in Brazil. This strategic partnership enhances Firefly’s access to sustainable feedstocks for biofuel production while expanding its presence in the growing Brazilian and Latin American markets.
Through this new collaboration, Firefly Green Fuels and Sanepar will jointly explore opportunities to convert locally collected biosolids (wastewater) into advanced biofuels, including SAF. Sanepar’s well-established infrastructure network positions it as an important partner for securing the reliable supply of raw materials needed to meet the growing global demand for SAF.
British company Firefly has developed an innovative route to sustainable fuel that uses a process known as hydrothermal liquefaction. This process allows the company to chemically alter sewage waste, breaking it down into materials known as crude oil and biochar. The bio-oil is then upgraded into SAF and other fuels, while biochar can be used in a range of other applications.
Securing global raw materials and expanding the market
The partnership with Sanepar is a major milestone for Firefly, ensuring a stable and diversified supply of raw materials for its SAF production. By tapping into Brazil’s extensive waste resources, Firefly is poised to strengthen its global reach and support airlines in their mission to decarbonize their operations.
“Brazil has emerged as a global leader in biofuels, and this partnership with Sanepar strengthens Firefly’s position in this fast-growing market,” said James Higgett, CEO of Firefly Green Fuels.
“The MoU reflects our commitment to our mission of decarbonizing aviation and addressing climate change. With the Brazilian government actively promoting biofuels through recent legislation and incentives, we are excited about the opportunities this partnership will open for both our company and our future customers.”
Biofuel momentum in Brazil
Brazil has been an active player in the biofuels industry for decades, and the country’s recent political announcements further cement its position as a leader in renewable energy. In 2024, the Brazilian government announced a series of new measures aimed at expanding biofuel production, including a mandate to increase the proportion of biofuels in transportation fuels and invest in new technologies for SAF production.
Given its large urban population, Brazil is well-positioned to scale up Firefly’s unique wastewater-based production route. The Brazilian government is investing heavily in modernizing Brazil’s waste processing infrastructure which will provide Firefly with access to a large and continuous supply of waste raw materials.
