Firefly Green Fuels, a UK-based developer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sanepar, one of Brazil's largest water and sanitation companies. This strategic collaboration aims to strengthen Firefly’s access to sustainable feedstock for biofuel production while expanding its footprint in the burgeoning Brazilian and Latin American markets. The partnership is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing the rising global demand for SAF by leveraging Sanepar’s robust infrastructure and waste management expertise.

As part of this agreement, Firefly Green Fuels and Sanepar will explore the conversion of locally aggregated biosolids (sewage sludge) into advanced biofuels, including SAF. Sanepar’s well-established infrastructure network makes it an ideal partner for securing the consistent and reliable supply of waste feedstock required to support Firefly’s production processes. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in Firefly’s commitment to creating a sustainable, scalable supply of biofuels, particularly SAF, for the aviation industry, which is striving to reduce its carbon footprint.

Firefly Green Fuels has pioneered an innovative process known as hydrothermal liquefaction, which chemically breaks down sewage waste into biocrude and biochar. The biocrude is then upgraded into SAF and other biofuels, while the biochar can be used in various applications, such as soil enhancement and carbon sequestration. This method of using sewage waste as feedstock for biofuel production aligns with global efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the environmental impact of aviation.

This partnership with Sanepar is a key milestone for Firefly, ensuring a steady and diverse supply of feedstock for its SAF production. By tapping into Brazil’s vast waste resources, Firefly is positioning itself to play a significant role in the global biofuels market. With Brazil’s growing emphasis on sustainability and its commitment to renewable energy, the partnership allows Firefly to take advantage of the country’s biofuels-friendly policies and incentivizing measures.

James Hygate, CEO of Firefly Green Fuels, emphasized that Brazil’s leadership in biofuels has made it an ideal partner. He stated, “Brazil has emerged as a global leader in biofuels, and this partnership with Sanepar solidifies Firefly’s position in this rapidly growing market. The MOU reflects our commitment to our mission—decarbonising aviation and tackling climate change.”

Brazil has long been a major player in the biofuels sector, and recent government initiatives further strengthen its position as a renewable energy powerhouse. In 2024, Brazil’s government introduced new measures to expand biofuel production, including mandates for increasing the biofuels content in transportation fuels and investments in SAF production technologies.

The country’s large urban population and ongoing investment in modernizing waste treatment infrastructure provide Firefly with access to a continuous, abundant supply of feedstock. With these developments, Firefly Green Fuels is poised to scale up its unique sewage-fed production process and play a significant role in supporting the aviation industry’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.