Minas Gerais celebrates the establishment of the world’s largest and most advanced research and development center dedicated to macaúba. The Agroindustrial Technological Innovation Center – Acelen Agripark – was inaugurated this Friday (Aug. 29) in Montes Claros and has received support from the Government of Minas since its initial phase, through the State Secretariat for Economic Development (Sede-MG) and its investment agency, Invest Minas.

Created by Acelen Renováveis, the center brings together research, technology, and innovation to develop macaúba as a feedstock for biofuel production – Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and green diesel (HVO) – driving the decarbonization of aviation and the heavy transport sector. The total investment amounts to R$ 314 million, generating 200 direct jobs.

“We are pleased to celebrate the inauguration of the Acelen Agripark in Montes Claros, alongside the historic milestone of attracting over R$ 500 billion in private investment to the state since 2019. These results prove investors’ confidence in our business environment and reinforce Minas Gerais’ leadership in innovation, sustainability, and economic development,” highlighted Mila Corrêa da Costa (pictured), Secretary of State for Economic Development.

Energy transition with the support of the Government of Minas

Since its establishment in 2023, the company has received broad support from the Government of Minas through Invest Minas. Initiatives include engagement with the agricultural sector and family farming, tax incentives, support in environmental licensing, and the identification and concession of public lands for the project.

“This is a major step for Brazil’s energy transition and reinforces Minas Gerais’ role as a leader in driving strategic projects that combine innovation, sustainability, and bioeconomy,” said João Paulo Braga, CEO of Invest Minas.

The initiative also fostered scientific cooperation and technology transfer through the State University of Montes Claros (Unimontes). This joint effort involved several state departments (Sede, SEF, Seapa, Seinfra, and Semad) and entities such as Codemge, Emater-MG, and Feam.

The Acelen Agripark – Covering 59 hectares, it has the capacity to germinate 1.7 million seeds per month and produce 10.5 million seedlings annually. The center will map and select the best plants for seed production, cloning, and genetic improvement. The macaúba project will create economic and social opportunities, from seed germination to fuel distribution, promoting sustainable development.

Luiz de Mendonça, CEO of Acelen Renováveis, emphasized the pioneering nature of the initiative and its significance for Brazil:
“With the Acelen Agripark, we are inaugurating the world’s largest center dedicated to macaúba, transforming this plant into a scalable energy solution. Brazil can and should take a leading role in the energy transition, and Acelen Renováveis reaffirms today its contribution to this sustainable future,” he stated.

The company – Acelen Renováveis is a renewable energy company owned by Mubadala Capital, a global asset management firm headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, created to actively participate in the global energy transition.

About Invest Minas: Invest Minas is the investment promotion agency of the Government of Minas Gerais, supporting business expansion and job creation in the state. Visit the website to learn more: Link