BBVA has taken a major step forward in sustainable finance by coordinating a USD 1.5 billion package to support Acelen Renewables in building one of Latin America’s largest renewable fuels plants. The project, backed by Mubadala Capital, will produce sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel in Brazil, with an estimated capacity of around 20,000 barrels per day. It stands among the region’s most significant SAF and HVO initiatives and marks BBVA’s first global transaction in this emerging segment.
The financing brings together international commercial banks and development finance institutions under a blended structure designed to manage the complexity and scale of the investment. This approach highlights BBVA’s ability to work alongside multilateral partners and mobilize capital for projects that directly support the energy transition.
Once operational, the plant will supply mainly European and U.S. markets, helping reduce emissions in one of the hardest‑to‑abate sectors: aviation. As sustainable aviation fuel gains global traction as a practical alternative to conventional jet fuel, the project positions Brazil as a country with strong potential in the sustainable fuels landscape.
For BBVA, the transaction reflects a deepening commitment to climate‑aligned financing and demonstrates its capacity to structure sophisticated solutions with long‑term impact. Executives at the bank emphasize that the initiative strengthens Brazil’s role in the global SAF market and reinforces the importance of SAF as a central tool for decarbonizing air transport.
Acelen Renewables also sees the financing as a milestone. The company highlights BBVA’s strategic role in enabling the project and views the plant as a meaningful contribution to the future of aviation and to the broader acceleration of the global energy transition. The initiative is described as significant not only for the company and for Brazil, but for the worldwide development of sustainable fuels.
Through this deal, BBVA expands its presence in Latin America and consolidates its position in sustainable infrastructure and cleantech financing. Entering the SAF segment represents a new chapter for the bank, diversifying its activity toward technologies that will be essential in the coming decades and reinforcing its role as a global partner for projects with real environmental impact.
News sourced from https://www.bbva.com/en/enterprises/bbva-and-acelen-drive-one-of-latin-americas-largest-saf-plants-in-brazil/
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Want to know more about decarbonization, sustainable industry trends, and the breakthroughs driving real change? Explore the complete lineup of Industry Link’s 2026 events below:
Sustainability & ESG International Summit 2026
10–11 June, São Paulo, Brazil
Premier regional platform for Net Zero construction, circular economy, climate resilience, and ESG leadership.
Industry 5.0 Global Conference & Exhibition 2026
10–11 June, São Paulo, Brazil
Hosted at the same venue and dates as the Sustainability Summit — two events for one price, one ticket, full access.
Cementitious Materials International Technical & Trade Congress – Europe
28–29 October, Brussels, Belgium
A leading EMEA gathering on cementitious materials, market trends, regulatory updates, and regional opportunities.
CarbonZero Alternative Fuels & Raw Materials Global Conference & Exhibition 2026
Including Cementitious Europe – Congress
28–29 October, Brussels, Belgium
Global platform for Net Zero strategies, alternative fuels, raw materials, carbon capture, and emerging technologies.
Women in Cement and Construction International Congress 2026 – EMEA
30 October, Brussels, Belgium
A dedicated forum advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the cement and construction sectors.
Cementitious Materials International Technical & Trade Congress – MEA
8–9 December, Morocco
The premier MEA event for cementitious materials, innovation, and regional trade opportunities.
