Cesa and Spanish Agri-Food Cooperatives bring together more than 3,600 cooperatives and over one million members, farmers, and ranchers, promoting second generation biofuel (2G) from waste produced by the Spanish agricultural and livestock industries.
Through the Cepsa Research Center, residual biomass generated by different sectors such as olives, vineyards, wine production, or livestock can be transformed into feedstocks for industrial-scale 2G biofuels. Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España will coordinate communication between the company and the diverse cooperatives that form the association.
2G biofuels use raw materials that do not compete with food supplies, supporting the circular economy by reusing waste that would otherwise reach landfills. Their deployment can cut CO2 emissions by up to 90% versus conventional fuels, making them a pivotal option for decarbonizing sectors that are hard to electrify, including heavy haul road transport, marine operations, and aviation. The figures come from industry studies and field data related to this initiative.
Javier Antúnez, Cepsa’s Director of Biofuels, expressed confidence that progress in energy transition requires collaboration and cross-value-chain synergies. He noted the agreement with Cooperativas Agroalimentarias de España, representing more than a million farmers and ranchers, aims to identify new circular raw-material sources for 2G biofuel production. He added that new alliances will bring benefits and economic development to rural areas.
Gabriel Trenzado, managing director of Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España, stated that the cooperative network has supported creating value chains for agricultural raw materials, from bioenergy to new biomaterials for decarbonization, by engaging in Horizon 2020 projects such as COOPID. He emphasized that cooperatives excel in rural production and logistics, from cultivation to by-product and waste management, but require strong partnerships with energy leaders to unlock the bioeconomy’s full potential. The promising deal with Cepsa is expected to reach full potential when implemented in targeted projects with cooperative companies.
The agreement also fosters alliances with cooperatives involved in biomass production from cover crops. Cepsa will identify optimal regions and crops for planting, leveraging CSIC insights. These crops compete with feed crops and will generate raw materials for 2G biofuels while improving soil health and increasing rainwater retention.
In this way, Cepsa continues diversifying raw-material supply for 2G biofuels, addressing a major industry challenge while advancing energy autonomy and security in Spain. The company aims to lead 2G biofuel production in Spain and Portugal by 2030.
Promotion of rural development
Agri-food cooperatives provide direct employment to about 123,000 people in Spain, predominantly in rural areas, acting as a vital economic and social engine in the so-called empty Spain. The cooperative framework also enables the exploitation of residual biomass, supporting value-added activities for farmers and ranchers and offering diversification of income sources.
Since 2023, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has rewarded farmers and ranchers who implement at least one voluntary sustainable practice, such as developing cover crops in woody crops like olive groves or fruit-tree plantations, among others.