Hydrographe SA, based in Mato Grosso, has announced an investment of R$1.18 billion to set up a corn ethanol plant in Toledo, Paraná. The announcement was made on December 1, 2025, during an event attended by local officials and biofuel industry representatives. According to Globo Rural, the project is one of the largest recent industrial investments in western Paraná and is expected to strengthen the regional corn sector as well as Brazil’s wider bioenergy plans, reports Click Petroleoe Gas.
The plant will be built on a 60-hectare area leased near the Luiz Dalcanale Filho Municipal Airport. Construction will begin once environmental licences are issued. The project is part of Hydrographe’s effort to expand its presence in renewable energy as countries shift toward cleaner fuel options. The company is not yet one of Brazil’s biggest producers, but it has been increasing its involvement in the corn ethanol market.
Corn ethanol projects have been growing in major grain-producing states such as Mato Grosso, Goiás and Mato Grosso do Sul. Paraná’s entry into this sector marks an important step, supported by strong farm production, reliable transport links and rising interest in forming a biofuel hub in southern Brazil.
In 2025, Coamo Agroindustrial announced its first corn ethanol plant in Paraná, with an investment of R$1.7 billion. The Potencial Group also announced plans for a biorefinery costing more than R$2 billion. These developments highlight Paraná’s increasing role as a center for bioenergy production. Hydrographe’s project adds to this progress by helping create a connected supply chain linking farming, transport, logistics, industry and energy production.
The site chosen for the new plant offers logistical benefits because of its proximity to the airport and major access roads. The facility is expected to process about 525,000 tons of corn each year, producing ethanol along with co-products such as DDGS, a high-protein feed used in livestock, and corn oil, which is used in various industries including animal feed and biofuel production. These products are expected to open new opportunities for livestock farming, poultry units and biodiesel manufacturing.
Construction is expected to create around 1,500 jobs, boosting activity in hospitality, food services, retail and logistics. The increased demand for corn is also likely to help farmers in the Toledo area by reducing transport expenses and raising the value of locally grown grain.
Corn ethanol continues to gain ground in Brazil’s energy sector. While the country is already a global leader in sugarcane ethanol, corn-based production has expanded due to steady supply and efficient processing methods. It also supports a stable flow of raw materials, the production of useful co-products, lower emissions and stronger competitiveness in the renewable fuel market.
With its scale and expected impact, Hydrographe’s project could reshape economic activity in western Paraná. The plant is positioned to support new jobs, expand production links, increase demand for corn and provide a wider range of products. The initiative backs national efforts to increase renewable energy use and reflects the importance of industrial innovation in sustainable economic development.
