Cepsa and Etihad join forces to produce biofuels for air transport

They foresee an annual production of 800,000 tons by 2030

Cepsa and Etihad have closed an agreement to produce biofuels for air transport. Both companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to accelerate the decarbonization of the sector and contribute to the sustainable development goals and the fight against climate change.

As detailed by Cepsa and Etihad, biofuels will be produced from circular raw materials that do not compete with food, such as used cooking oils or biodegradable waste from different industries. The companies point out that this initiative will reduce aviation emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional kerosene.

This agreement is part of Cepsa’s strategic plan, focused on accelerating the decarbonization of its industrial customers and air and maritime transport through the production of green molecules, mainly renewable hydrogen and biofuels. The energy company aims to produce 2.5 million tons per year, with a particular interest in promoting the sustainability of air traffic, producing 800,000 tons of biofuel.

It is also in line with the European Commission’s ‘Fit for 55’ package of measures, which includes an initiative to boost the supply and demand of aviation biofuels in the European Union. The goal is for this type of fuel to reach a use of 2% in 2025, 5% in 2030 and 63% in 2050. Maarten Wetselaar, CEO of Cepsa, said that this agreement reinforces our determination to transform air transport into a more sustainable mode of transport.

The alliance, announced at the ADIPEC exhibition in Abu Dhabi, will also work on the development of new energy alternatives, such as renewable hydrogen, and on the electrification of Etihad’s ground fleets, which include supply vehicles, baggage loading and unloading operations and aircraft assistance.

Source: Five Days