ICM, Inc. and FS Indústria de Etanol Partner on Fourth Greenfield Ethanol Plant in Mato Grosso, Brazil
ICM, Inc., a global leader in biofuels process technology and engineering, has announced that it has entered into a Professional Services and Equipment Purchase Agreement with FS Indústria de Etanol S.A. (FS), one of Brazil’s largest ethanol producers. Under the agreement, ICM will design and supply equipment for a new greenfield dry-mill grain ethanol production facility to be constructed near Campo Novo do Parecis, in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.
The facility will mark FS’s fourth greenfield ethanol plant in Mato Grosso, following the company’s previously established sites in Lucas do Rio Verde, Sorriso, and Primavera do Leste. Each of these plants has played a critical role in driving Brazil’s ethanol production capacity and reinforcing the country’s reputation as a global powerhouse in renewable fuels. The Campo Novo do Parecis facility, however, is expected to surpass its predecessors both in size and technological sophistication.
Plant Design and Capacity
The new plant will be modeled after FS’s existing Primavera facility but will feature a larger nameplate capacity. Once operational, the site will produce an impressive 540 million liters of ethanol annually, further cementing FS’s position as one of the fastest-growing ethanol producers in Latin America. According to FS, the facility is expected to be completed by December 2026, with construction work ramping up over the next two years.
In addition to producing ethanol, the plant will also generate a range of valuable coproducts. These include approximately 350,000 metric tons of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), a high-protein animal feed product, 69,000 metric tons of corn oil, which can be used in both food and biofuel applications, and around 56,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity per year, contributing to the energy needs of the local grid. The combined output will not only increase FS’s revenue streams but will also provide substantial support for Mato Grosso’s thriving agricultural and livestock industries.
Economic and Employment Impact
The construction and operation of the Campo Novo do Parecis ethanol plant are expected to deliver significant economic benefits to the region. During the construction phase alone, the project is forecast to create approximately 600 direct jobs and more than 8,000 indirect jobs. These positions will range from engineering and construction to supply chain and logistics, stimulating employment and business activity across a wide array of sectors.
Once operational, the facility will require a highly skilled workforce to manage its production, maintenance, and logistics. Local suppliers, farmers, and service providers are also anticipated to benefit greatly, as the plant will increase demand for corn and other agricultural inputs, while simultaneously providing a consistent supply of animal feed and renewable energy byproducts.
Industry analysts note that Mato Grosso has rapidly emerged as one of Brazil’s leading hubs for ethanol production due to its abundant corn production, favorable logistics, and supportive policy environment. The construction of a fourth FS plant in the state demonstrates both the company’s confidence in the region’s potential and the broader momentum of Brazil’s ethanol sector as it continues to expand capacity and innovate technologically.
Advanced Technology Integration
A cornerstone of the Campo Novo do Parecis project will be the deployment of ICM’s proprietary process technologies. ICM, headquartered in the United States, has spent decades developing and refining technologies that enhance the efficiency, yield, and environmental performance of ethanol plants worldwide.
For this new facility, ICM will provide three of its most advanced systems:
- Base Tricanter System™ – a proven solution for efficient corn oil recovery, maximizing the value derived from each unit of grain processed.
- Selective Milling Technology™ (SMT) – an innovative system that improves starch conversion rates, thereby boosting ethanol yields while maintaining operational efficiency.
- Fiber Separation Technology™ (FST) – designed to separate fiber from the process stream, allowing for higher ethanol yields and the production of higher-value feed coproducts.
In addition to these key systems, ICM will supply engineering, process design, startup services, and specialized equipment for the project. The company’s involvement throughout both the design and execution stages will help ensure that the new FS plant achieves optimal performance from day one.
Strengthening a Long-Standing Partnership
The agreement is the latest milestone in a longstanding partnership between FS and ICM. Over the past several years, the two companies have successfully collaborated on multiple projects, including the design and technology supply for FS’s facilities in Lucas do Rio Verde, Sorriso, and Primavera do Leste. Each of these plants has incorporated ICM’s advanced process technologies, helping FS to achieve high operational efficiency and consistently strong production results.
According to executives from both companies, the new project builds upon this proven track record of collaboration. “Our partnership with ICM has been instrumental in FS’s growth and in setting new benchmarks for ethanol production in Brazil,” said Matt Horsch, Executive Vice President of Technology and Operations at FS. “With three successful projects already behind us, we trust ICM’s expertise to help make Campo Novo do Parecis our largest and most advanced facility yet.”
For ICM, the agreement underscores its position as a trusted partner for ethanol producers seeking to maximize returns while advancing the sustainability of their operations. Chris Mitchell, President & CEO of ICM, expressed enthusiasm for the continued collaboration: “We are proud to continue building on our relationship with FS, delivering process technologies that set the gold standard for efficiency and reliability. This project reflects our shared commitment to advancing renewable fuels, supporting sustainable growth in Mato Grosso, and creating lasting value for the regional economy.”
Supporting Brazil’s Renewable Energy Transition
The Campo Novo do Parecis project also holds broader significance in the context of Brazil’s renewable energy transition. As the world seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shift away from fossil fuels, ethanol has become an increasingly important component of Brazil’s energy mix.
Brazil is already one of the world’s largest producers and consumers of ethanol, with the fuel widely blended into gasoline to reduce carbon intensity. Corn-based ethanol, in particular, has been gaining ground as a complement to the country’s well-established sugarcane ethanol industry. Facilities like the new FS plant not only increase national ethanol output but also contribute to energy security, rural development, and climate goals.
Moreover, the integration of advanced technologies such as those provided by ICM highlights how innovation is helping to push the industry forward. By improving yields, reducing waste, and creating valuable coproducts, these technologies enhance both the economic and environmental sustainability of ethanol production.
