Cepsa, Maersk and Renfe wrapped up the First test of renewable fuels in rail transport in Spain, marking a notable milestone. Over 15 weeks, Renfe locomotives operated more than 130 tonnes of HVO, a renewable diesel, across 100 journeys between Algeciras and Córdoba on a non-electrified stretch connecting Algeciras to Madrid. The effort moved more than 4,700 TEUs along the route, complemented by renewable energy on the rest of the corridor, and prevented around 500 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The pilot delivered highly satisfactory results, demonstrating optimal engine performance. Building on this, Cepsa, Maersk and Renfe are evaluating the feasibility of continuing to power the route with renewable diesel and possibly extending the initiative to additional non-electrified lines in the future.
The second-generation biofuel, replacing the conventional diesel used by Renfe locomotives, was produced at Cepsa’s La Rábida Energy Park in Huelva from used cooking oils. Such fuels can be used throughout their life cycle without any engine modifications. They can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent compared with traditional fuels. Additionally, second-generation biofuels support the circular economy by transforming waste that would otherwise go to landfill into valuable energy.
Cooperation for decarbonization
Following successful tests across air and sea transport and the launch of renewable diesel at service stations and customer premises, this pilot advances Cepsa’s ambition to enable decarbonization for heavy transport through green molecules. As outlined in its Positive Action strategy, the company aims to become a reference point in the energy transition and to lead renewable fuel production in Spain and Portugal by 2030 with an annual capacity of 2.5 million tons.
Maersk has announced a plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2040 across all business areas, including sea, land and air transportation as well as warehousing, terminals and other land-based services. Achieving this goal involves a set of ambitious short-term targets, such as a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from land logistics activities like rail and trucking, compared to the 2020 base year.
Renfe Mercancias, a leading provider of sustainable mobility, continues to strengthen its corporate strategy with a clear commitment to decarbonizing transport. In the previous year, almost 80% of the company’s total traffic was powered by ZeroCO2 electric locomotives running on renewable energy. That share is rising as newer, safer electric traction systems and more efficient engines become available. In line with this, Renfe Mercancias began operating 12 high-power electric locomotives this year on the Iberian corridor and signed a contract in March for the delivery of 12 international-gauge electric locomotives valued at 136.7 million euros, with an option to add six more for freight movement along the Mediterranean Corridor. These developments pave the way for exploring sustainable alternatives for rail transport on non-electrified routes.