cesa began producing advanced biofuels using second-generation technology at the La Rábida Energy Park, located in Palos de la Frontera, Huelva. This milestone marks a meaningful step in Cepsa’s ongoing transformation toward a more sustainable energy model. The plant harnesses used cooking oils to generate green fuels, turning waste into valuable energy and reinforcing the principles of a circular economy that benefits communities and the environment alike. The involvement of this site demonstrates a concrete commitment to rethinking waste streams and extracting higher energy value from everyday byproducts, aligning with broader goals of responsible resource management and cleaner energy production for the region.
Biofuels, when evaluated across their entire lifecycle, can cut emissions by as much as 80 percent in comparison with traditional fossil fuels. They also contribute to greater energy independence and more secure fuel supply chains, a critical consideration in today’s market dynamics where geopolitical and logistical factors can affect access to energy. This accomplishment fits into a larger narrative of reducing transport-related emissions while maintaining reliable energy services for businesses and households alike, particularly in sectors with higher energy demands.
This achievement is embedded in Cepsa’s 2030 strategy, labeled Positive Motion, which seeks to curb emissions from heavy transportation across sea, air, and road by advancing green chemistry and renewable energy solutions. The plan emphasizes producing green molecules, with biofuels and green hydrogen taking a front seat. Specifically, Cepsa aims to lead biofuel production in Spain and Portugal by 2030, targeting an annual output of 2.5 million tons to support cleaner mobility and industrial energy needs across the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.
Antonio Joyanes, who directs the Energy Parks division at Cepsa, described the development as a landmark in the company’s long history of biofuel activity. He noted that Cepsa has been refining and refining again in search of sustainable pathways, converting waste and used oils into renewable fuels with high energy yield. The launch of advanced biofuel production at La Rábida marks a fresh phase in both the evolution of the energy parks network and the broader energy transition strategy that underpins Cepsa’s corporate vision for a low-emission future. His remarks underscored how this venture adds momentum to ongoing efforts to diversify energy sources while maintaining performance and reliability across the fuel supply chain.
Carlos Barrasa, the director responsible for Commercial and Clean Energies at Cepsa, emphasized that the company’s dedication to second-generation biofuels serves as a robust value driver for customers. This approach enables continued expansion of fuel options for aviation and other sectors where demand is expected to grow, highlighting the role of biofuels in maintaining service quality and meeting evolving regulatory and market expectations. The emphasis on sustainable aviation fuels, in particular, reflects a strategic alignment with industry growth projections and the need to decouple transport from fossil-based energy at a faster pace while preserving safety and performance standards.
Biofuels occupy a central place in the decarbonisation agenda for transportation. Their development and uptake support several targets within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, and climate action. They also align with EU measures designed to encourage the use of sustainable alternative fuels and reduce greenhouse gas intensity in maritime and aviation sectors. The European Commission’s RefuelEU Aviation initiative further aims to grow both supply and demand for aviation biofuels, projecting a gradual increase to 2 percent by 2025, 5 percent by 2030, and a substantial share by 2050 as part of a broader environmental strategy to cut emissions from air travel.
Cepsa has outlined an ambitious roadmap to lower emissions across its operations. The plan targets a 55 percent reduction in CO2 emissions from Scope 1 and Scope 2 activities by 2030 relative to 2019 levels, with a long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality before 2050. For Scope 3, the company seeks to reduce the carbon intensity of its products by a range around 15 to 20 percent by 2030, with a continued push toward positive social and environmental outcomes. The goal is not only to reach net zero but to create value for communities by helping customers and stakeholders steer their energy choices toward more sustainable, responsible options.