Cooperalfa begins construction of biodiesel plant

The Alfa Agroindustrial Cooperative (Cooperalfa) begins this year the construction of the second-largest biodiesel plant in Santa Catarina, located in Linha Tomazelli, Chapecó, Santa Catarina. Construction is scheduled for completion in October 2026, marking the cooperative's 59th anniversary. The new venture will be the second-largest industrial project in its history. "It reinforces Alfa's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and adding value to its members' production," stated Cooperalfa President Romeo Bet.

The plant will have the capacity to produce 1.150 cubic meters of biodiesel per day—equivalent to 414 m³ per year—from the soybean processing already carried out by Alfa's existing plant, which currently crushes 2,4 tons per day. The project is expected to generate R$115,5 million per year in ICMS (Sales Tax) for the state in the first phase of operations, even operating at 50% of its installed capacity.

positive impacts

In addition to creating 110 direct jobs and employing approximately 300 outsourced workers during installation, the new plant will positively impact the entire input, transportation, and logistics chain in the region. "It's a project that benefits not only Cooperalfa and its members, but society as a whole. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that contributes significantly to reducing carbon emissions, promoting responsible growth in agribusiness," emphasizes mechanical engineer and project coordinator, Victor Luis Bohm Kühn.

The new Cooperalfa industrial complex will also produce byproducts such as sludge, olein, and glycerin, the latter widely used in the cosmetics industry. To ensure product excellence and meet ANP standards, Cooperalfa will implement a laboratory with the most modern equipment on the market and obtain ISO 17025 certification.

The plant reinforces the cooperative's leading role in the energy transition, at a time when the country is discussing the future of fuels. Currently, diesel sold in Brazil contains 15% biodiesel (B15), with a legal target of reaching 20% ​​(B25) by 2030, with a limit of up to 25% in subsequent years, according to the Biofuels of the Future Law (Law No. 14.993/2024).

Value added

The vast majority of the soybeans processed by Alfa's industry are supplied by cooperative members. The project aims to increase the added value of production, strengthening members economically and promoting regional development.

During Efapi 2025, in Chapecó, Cooperalfa will present a detailed model of the plant to the public, allowing society to better understand the project and its relevance for the future of the Brazilian energy matrix.

Cooperalfa president Romeo Bet explained that this biodiesel industrialization project involves expanding the soybean industry itself, which currently has a capacity of 2 tons per day. With the expansion to meet the biodiesel industry's demand, it will reach 3 tons per day. The oil will then be transformed into biodiesel. "These are reasonably high investments, but I'm certain this project will be very successful and will add value to the production delivered by members," emphasizes president Romeo.

Investment strategies

First Vice President and Industrial Director Cládis Jorge Furlanetto explained that Cooperalfa is investing in the biodiesel industry for a number of strategic reasons, such as its existing infrastructure. The cooperative already has a solvent extraction plant that generates approximately 400 tons of degummed crude oil per day. This volume will be used as a raw material for biodiesel production, whose demand will be approximately 1.000 tons per day.

Another decisive factor was the federal government's policy shift, which no longer controlled biodiesel prices, transferring this determination to the market itself. This new scenario provides greater predictability and economic viability for the return on investment.

 The prospect of Alfa acquiring the Social Fuel Seal was also a significant factor in the decision. This seal guarantees tax benefits and priority in government contracts, provided that family farmers are involved in the supply of raw materials, which is aligned with Alfa's cooperative principles.