Amid rising instability in global energy markets linked to the Middle East conflict, a city in southern Brazil is experimenting with a new biofuel designed to fully replace diesel. The initiative is being developed in Passo Fundo, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, as a way to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Local authorities see the project as a strategic response to concerns over fuel supply and price volatility, with the new fuel offering an alternative produced entirely within the country
A biofuel that requires no engine changes
The new product, called BeVant, is made from renewable sources including soy, animal fats and used oils. Unlike traditional biodiesel in Brazil—typically blended at 15% with fossil diesel—this fuel is designed to completely replace diesel in standard engines.
Crucially, it can be used without any modification to existing vehicles, making it a so-called “drop-in” fuel and easing its potential adoption across fleets.
Initial rollout in municipal fleet
The city has begun deploying the fuel in part of its municipal fleet. In the first phase, 17 vehicles, including trucks and a minibus, will use BeVant, with an estimated consumption of around 10,000 liters per month.
The fuel is produced by Brazilian company Be8, which received regulatory approval in late 2024 and aims to reach an annual production of 28 million liters.
Costs and market potential
At present, BeVant is about 15% more expensive than conventional biodiesel, although it remains cheaper than other alternatives such as green diesel (HVO).
Local officials expect costs to decrease as production scales up, making the fuel more competitive over time and enabling broader adoption across the city’s fleet.
Environmental and strategic benefits
The new biofuel is expected to reduce carbon emissions while offering a more stable and domestically sourced energy solution.
Brazil, which imports roughly a quarter of the diesel it consumes, could benefit from expanding such alternatives, especially as the country anticipates a record soybean harvest, a key raw material for biodiesel production.
Expansion beyond the pilot project
Beyond municipal use, BeVant is already being tested in logistics operations, bus fleets and even truck racing competitions, signaling broader interest in the technology.
The company behind the fuel has indicated plans to expand both domestically and internationally, as industries look for ways to cut emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
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