Biofuels from waste advance in aviation as Seville hosts a pilot
Waste-derived biofuels are gradually becoming a credible alternative to fossil fuels, with aviation leading the charge. Olive pits, used cooking oils, and other plant-based waste streams are being tested to power more than 200 flights this week. The initiative aims to prevent the emission of over 200 tons of CO2 at Seville Airport, showcasing a tangible path toward lower aviation emissions.
On Friday, Cepsa unveiled an initiative at the Seville terminal that willpower the flights of six airlines with a SAF share of 4.5 percent in their fuel deposits, surpassing the European Union 2025 target of 2 percent. The move signals a significant step for sustainable aviation fuel in Europe and beyond.
Speaking to reporters, Tobi Pardo, head of Aviation and Asphalt at Cepsa, explained that the SAF is produced from olive kernels, used oils, and other waste materials. He noted the exploration of additional feedstocks such as degraded wood and general waste, a strategy designed to reduce pressure on dedicated crops used for biofuel production and mitigate associated environmental effects.
Cepsa’s commercial and clean energy director, Carlos Barrasa, highlighted the role of this initiative in the ecological transition. He described the project as an opportunity to demonstrate the value of new fuels and the potential socio economic benefits they bring to communities.
Barrasa added that mobilizing all biomass across Andalusia could meet about 10 percent of current demand, underscoring the substantial potential available for careful and strategic deployment.
Production of this biofuel takes place at the La Rábida Energy Park in Huelva, Spain, using olive pits and other plant residues, with Exolum handling supply and storage operations for the process. This collaboration illustrates how regional resources can support cleaner aviation fuel in practical, scalable ways.
Cost challenges and deployment plans
Despite its promise, the shift to waste-based biofuels faces cost hurdles. Tobi Pardo noted that a cubic meter currently costs two to three times more than traditional aviation turbine fuel. He also stressed that prices are expected to fall as mass production scales up, making SAF more economically viable in the long term, even as airlines continue to adopt it for routine flights.
In terms of output, Cepsa aims to produce 2.5 million tons of biofuel at its Huelva facility, with 800,000 tons designated for sustainable aviation fuel. Through this pilot project, the biofuel will be supplied to participating airlines across roughly 400,000 kilometers of routes, translating to about 400 to 500 flight hours of operation powered by SAF.
The presentation drew a lineup of attendees including the mayor of Seville and the regional minister for Industrial Policy and Energy, along with representatives from Cepsa and the partner airlines. The event underscored the collective effort required to broaden the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels and demonstrated a concrete pathway toward cleaner skies.
Further information on the initiative will be shared as the program progresses, with ongoing assessments of performance, emissions reductions, and broader implications for regional energy strategies. The focus remains on turning waste streams into valuable fuel while supporting economic activity and environmental goals.
Notes and references for the program are available through official environmental channels and industry briefings, with independent researchers invited to review progress and outcomes as the project advances.