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Brazilian energy giant Grupo Potencial is spearheading a massive expansion at its industrial complex in Lapa, Paraná, with a planned investment of up to R$ 6 billion by 2030. The strategic initiative aims to nearly double the site's annual biodiesel production capacity, boosting it from the current 900 million liters to 1.7 billion liters, and cementing the facility's position as a premier agro-energy hub.
At the heart of the expansion is a highly integrated vertical supply chain that combines soybean crushing, biodiesel manufacturing, glycerin refining, energy cogeneration, biogas production, and corn ethanol projects. The complex's capabilities grew significantly following the inauguration of a state-of-the-art soybean crushing facility and a refined glycerin plant on March 25, 2026.
By processing oilseeds directly within the complex rather than purchasing vegetable oil on the open market, Grupo Potencial has streamlined the path from raw materials to renewable fuels while mitigating dependence on third-party suppliers. The new soy crusher boasts a daily processing capacity of 3,500 tons, requiring the intake of approximately 100 trucks daily.
This massive operation relies on efficient logistics. In addition to the crushing deliveries, the complex receives about 100 trucks carrying raw materials and chemical inputs daily, while another 100 trucks leave the site loaded with finished biodiesel and by-products. An additional 80 trucks per day are dedicated to shipping soybean meal, bringing the total daily logistics traffic to approximately 380 vehicles. To minimize internal transport costs and emissions, degummed oil is transported directly from the crusher to the biodiesel plant via overhead pipelines, bypassing the need for road transit within the facility.
According to Luiz Carlos Bruzamolin Filho, Industrial Director of Grupo Potencial, "with each new stage, we extend the verticalization chain further." Currently, the first phase of the soy crusher satisfies about 25% of the complex's internal vegetable oil demand. A planned second phase could elevate this share to 50%, although a firm timeline has not yet been established.
In addition to biodiesel, the complex operates two glycerin refineries with an annual capacity of 85,000 to 90,000 tons. This refined glycerin is supplied to high-value markets, including the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics sectors. While soybean oil remains the primary feedstock for biodiesel production, the facility also utilizes animal fats and used cooking oil (UCO). The company's dedicated waste oil collection program has recycled over 33 million liters of UCO over the past ten years.
To achieve complete energy self-sufficiency, the industrial site utilizes a high-pressure boiler with a cogeneration system designed to generate 10 MW of electricity—enough to power the entire Lapa complex. Furthermore, the group is launching a R$ 120 million circular economy project to produce up to 25,000 cubic meters of biogas daily from treated industrial wastewater effluents.
The complex’s multi-faceted operations are supported by high-level automation, with 99% of processes across all 15 plants monitored in real-time by five operators in a central control room.
Carlos Eduardo Hammerschmidt, Vice President of Commercial, Institutional Relations, and New Investments at Grupo Potencial, stressed that agribusiness and biofuels are now structurally linked. He emphasized that Brazil possesses the agricultural and industrial capacity to lead the global energy transition. Hammerschmidt also advocated for domestic biofuel production to be treated as a strategic state policy to reduce import dependency, generate local income, and drive decarbonization. Looking ahead, the group forecasts additional investments of R$ 5 billion to R$ 6 billion between 2030 and 2032 to expand biomethane, corn ethanol, and further improve the environmental efficiency of its operations.
Source: CPG Click Oil and Gas