Análise tecnoeconômica de uma planta de produção de bioquerosene a partir do óleo de soja no sudoeste do Paraná: aplicação do método HEFA

Abstract

The environmental effects resulting from the use of fossil fuels have stimulated the search for alternative energy sources that reduce emissions and promote sustainability. In this scenario, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) appears as a renewable alternative, derived from lipid biomass and capable of replacing fossil kerosene without the need for engine modifications. Among the available raw materials, soybean oil stands out due to its high availability in Paraná and its advantageous composition for hydrotreating reactions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate, using Aspen Plus software for simulation, the technical and financial viability of SAF production through the HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) process. The hydrotreating, hydrocracking/hydroisomerization, and fractionation stages were considered, operating at 92 bar and 400 °C, with NiMo catalyst. The results showed a high oil conversion rate, with an average yield of 81%, and hydrocarbon production in the C10 to C15 range, meeting the specifications for Jet A-1 fuel. Economic analysis indicated that investment costs are approximately US$220 million, while annual SAF production costs are around US$255 million. This results in a levelized fuel price between US$2.18/kg and US$0.37/kg. The viability of the process was determined by energy recovery and the valorization of byproducts such as propane and naphtha. Thus, the research proves that the HEFA route is technically feasible and barely economically advantageous for regional SAF production from soybean oil; however, it can still contribute to decarbonization goals by advancing the applied methodology.