Repsol is advancing a new biofuel project in Cartagena for Ryanair. The oil company’s Escombreras facility will convert used cooking oils and other waste from the food sector into a sustainable fuel intended to power Ryanair’s fleet during the 2018–2019 period and beyond into 2025 and 2030.
From 2024 onward, once the plant is completed, it will produce up to 250,000 tons of biofuel annually, transforming 300,000 tons of waste each year into advanced transportation fuels.
This breakthrough product holds strong potential for airlines because aviation currently has limited alternatives under development. The fuel can be used with existing infrastructure and current aircraft engines, without requiring changes to fleets.
Repsol and Ryanair announced on Thursday a deal to supply 155,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel over the last five years of the decade.
Equivalent to 28,000 Dublin-Madrid flights
The volume aligns with the airlines’ described consumption, equating to roughly 28,000 Dublin–Madrid flights in a joint statement by the two companies.
Replacing kerosene with sustainable fuel could lead to about 490,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions reductions, according to the projection.
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A Ryanair plane
The plan is for the Cartagena plant to begin producing sustainable fuel from naturally sourced waste and to mark Spain’s first major move into advanced biofuels, with Repsol planning additional plants of a similar kind.
The construction, with an investment exceeding 200 million euros, will enable production of advanced biofuels from various waste streams, including used cooking oils and other agri-food byproducts.
Company representatives noted that these renewable fuels offer a sustainable solution across mobility sectors, particularly for industries with limited decarbonization options today such as shipping, long-haul road transport, and aviation.
Using these next-generation fuels will help achieve near-zero net emissions when replacing traditional fuels, thanks to the ability to leverage existing infrastructure and avoid the need for new technology development and fleet renewal.
Ryanair’s chief executive, Eddie Wilson, stated that the airline aims to reach 12.5 percent sustainable aviation fuel use by 2030.
Repsol facilities in Escombreras
Executives noted that achieving this target requires multiple raw materials and diverse production methods. They expressed encouragement to pursue various solutions and looked forward to furthering the collaboration as Ryanair’s operations grow toward carrying 225 million passengers annually by 2026.
Repsol asserts a goal to reach 1.3 million tonnes of renewable fuel production capacity by 2025 and more than two million tonnes by 2030, positioning it as a leader in the Iberian Peninsula and driving progress toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Cartagena facility is in the final construction stages, preparing for commissioning. More than 140 contractors are involved, mobilizing an average of 550 workers from auxiliary firms, with peak staffing around 800.
The project emphasizes a circular economy approach, turning waste that would otherwise go to landfill into high-value products, according to the company.
Company calls the new facility a pioneer in Spain
Repsol notes that the Cartagena plant dedicated to renewable biofuels positions the company as a pioneer in Spain, and it anticipates regulatory measures from community agencies to promote sustainable aviation fuels.
Valero Marín, Repsol’s customer general manager, highlighted that these products respond to aviation’s need for decarbonization solutions while reinforcing Repsol’s position as a multi-energy company with a net-zero emissions goal for 2050. He added that the Ryanair agreement strengthens the company’s commitment to the aviation sector.
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The environment department will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.