2G biofuels, produced from agricultural waste or used cooking oils, are an energy solution based on the circular economy that allows decarbonizing transport by land, sea and air, immediately, without the need to change current engines.
With a flexible annual production of 500,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (HVO), this plant, located in Palos de la Frontera, together with the facilities already operated by Cepsa and Bio-Oils in Huelva, will double the joint venture’s current 2G biofuel production capacity. The renewable fuels developed in this complex designed by Cepsa and Bio-Oils will avoid the emission of 3 million tons of CO2 annually, which is equivalent to 4% of road transport emissions in Spain if traditional fossil fuels are used.
In the energy transition, decarbonizing transportation becomes one of the main levers for the immediate future. In sectors in which electrification becomes complex, it is necessary to look for alternatives to mitigate the effects of climate change, which is what it is all about. One reason why, in heavy land, air and maritime transport – or in the industry itself – the use of second generation biofuels becomes the fastest solution to reduce mobility emissions. Depending on the raw material used, the use of biofuels can reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere by up to 90%.
But most of its benefits compared to other solutions arise from the characteristics of a molecule that is practically analogous to that of traditional fossil fuels and that allows existing engines and storage and distribution infrastructures to be used, thus achieving rapid deployment. . To all these advantages, one more can be added in the case of second generation biofuels, which are those that are manufactured from waste: they promote the circular economy. The use of used cooking oils, agricultural or livestock waste or forest biomass in its manufacture allows giving a second life to waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Biofuels are therefore key players in accelerating the decarbonisation of transport, which currently accounts for 15% of global CO2 emissions. But, for renewable fuel to be a real solution, it is necessary that production be developed on a large scale, so that its cost is competitive and its use is widespread. So it becomes more than necessary to advance in the production of these sustainable fuels, as is the case with Cepsa at a time when the energy company has taken a giant step forward. Together with Bio-Oils, Cepsa will build the largest 2G biofuels plant in southern Europe, which will involve an investment of 1.2 billion euros.
The project, which will begin production in 2026, will be built in Palos de la Frontera (Huelva), next to the La Rábida Energy Park. Its development will mean the creation of 2,000 jobs, both direct and indirect, during the construction and operation phases. It will be built with the latest technology, so it will have minimal environmental impact. And there is more. Thanks to the consumption of renewable hydrogen, 100% renewable electricity and different heat recovery and energy efficiency systems, the facility will emit 75% less CO2 than a traditional biofuel plant, since it is designed to achieve net zero emissions in the medium term.
Likewise, the new plant will not consume fresh water, but will only use recovered water, and its water emissions will have a minimal impact on the ecosystem, thanks to the powerful water treatment plant with which it will be equipped. The facility will be digital native and will incorporate the latest advances for the industry in artificial intelligence, internet of things (IoT) and data analytics.
Additionally, from the treatment of biogas, another product is captured, biogenic CO2, essential for the production of green methanol, key to decarbonizing maritime transport. This is how what will be the largest 2G biofuels plant in southern Europe becomes a key piece in the entire ecosystem of the Andalusian Valley of Green Hydrogen that Cepsa is leading in its great commitment to an energy solution that allows us a real transition. in transport by land, sea and air.
