Brazilian Corn Ethanol Sector Maintains Long-term Plans Despite COVID-19, an Industrial Info Market Brief

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While some leading firms in the Brazilian corn ethanol sector, such as Grupo FS Bioenergia, have temporarily halted their construction projects as a consequence of COVID-19, there remain several grassroot investments which are advancing.

UER Industria de Alcool Biocombustiveis Racoes e Geracao de Energia Limitada plans to construct a new plant in Cerejeiras (Rondônia), which will crush 750 tons of corn per day to produce up to 112.5 million liters of fuel ethanol and 75,000 tons per day of of distillers dried grains with solubles, as well as 5,000 tons of corn oil annually. The R$425 million (US$83 million) investment is awaiting planning permission, with a kickoff due to start during the second semester 2020. The company is aiming for the plant to be fully operational before the end of 2021.

Similarly, Maracaja Bioenergia Ltda is awaiting planning permission for its own grassroot investment in Matupá (Mato Grosso), which will crush 750 tons of corn per day to produce 114 million liters of fuel ethanol as well as DDGS and corn oil. The R$250 million (US$49 million) investment has a proposed construction kickoff for the first quarter of 2021, with completion due in 2022.

Industrial Info is tracking 29 grassroot corn ethanol projects in Brazil worth $2.05 billion. Click here for a list of projects.