Spain has specific advantages to produce sustainable aviation fuel. This potential contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Furthermore, it also boosts the national economy with hundreds of thousands of new jobs.
A study was carried out by consultancy firm PwC on behalf of the Spanish oil company Cepsa. It showed that no fewer than 32 SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) factories could be built by 2050. Despite the fact that the cost of SAF is three times higher than that of fossil fuel, the use of the sustainable variant is an important step in the right direction. Spanish airlines such as Iberia and Vueling emphasise the advantage that the transition to SAF does not require changes to the existing aircraft fleet.
Government support essential to get the industry going
In order to get the sustainable aviation fuel industry going, significant support is needed from the Spanish government. In addition to a substantial investment, this must ensure a regulatory policy and a favourable investment climate. Consider public-private partnerships and financial incentives. PwC estimates that the development of the SAF industry involves a total investment of more than €22 billion.
Spain currently falls short of European directive
According to European regulations, airlines must use at least 2.5% SAF in 2025. This percentage will increase to 6% in 2030 and possibly 70% in 2050. Without targeted support for SAF production, current capacity in Spain will lag behind other countries and will not meet the requirements set by the Spanish aviation sector.
The emissions of an aircraft using sustainable fuel emit at least 75% less CO2 than an aircraft using kerosene. There are two types of sustainable aviation fuel: Bio SAF, made from sustainable sources such as forest and agricultural waste, and synthetic SAF. The latter is produced using a chemical process that converts CO2 into synthetic kerosene.
Why SAF production in Spain
Spain has a number of specific advantages compared to other countries for the development of a SAF industry. For example, the country has large amounts of biomass and waste materials that can be used for SAF production.
In addition, there is ample access to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind for the production of green hydrogen, a key raw material for SAF production. The strong renewable energy infrastructure gives Spain a competitive advantage because it can produce SAF with a lower carbon footprint. In addition, Spain is less dependent on energy imports due to its natural resources and technological capacity and can even export sustainable energy. Due to its favourable geographical location, Spain has the opportunity to supply sustainable aviation fuel to European countries that have not yet fully developed SAF production.
In addition, Spain has large oil companies such as Repsol and Cespa that have experience in fuel production. These refineries can be adapted to produce SAF. It can be easily transported to Spanish airports via the already existing extensive fuel distribution network.