The Scientific Research High Council (CSIC) and Cepsa have agreed to explore opportunities around growing energy cover crops in rural Spain to support second-generation biofuels. This collaboration sets the stage for a joint technical-economic study across multiple regions to identify ideal planting zones, assess the feasibility of afforestation, and determine the best-fit products alongside CO2 absorption capacities in each area.
Expand circular raw material supply
According to Javier Antúnez, Cepsa’s director of Biofuels, the goal is to broaden circular raw material sourcing for second-generation biofuel production. The initiative also aims to support decarbonization in sectors that are difficult to electrify and rely on heavy transport by road, sea, or air, while creating new economic and development opportunities for rural Spain. This approach emphasizes smarter use of resources and local value creation .
Cover crops shield soil during planting, helping to reduce erosion, boost soil fertility, increase rainwater retention, and enhance CO2 capture. These crops not only protect soil during critical periods but also contribute to richer soil and better overall environmental resilience .
Promoting this type of crop helps maximize the profitability of the same piece of land by elevating quality, diversifying incomes, and supporting year-round agricultural activity.
non-food products
There is potential for promoting non-food crops in Spain, using land not devoted to food production or areas not in use for tilling at certain times of the year, explained Leonardo Velasco, a researcher from CSIC’s Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (IAS). This research underscores the idea that non-food energy crops can play a significant role in rural economies while aligning with sustainable land management practices .
Velasco noted that the institute has spent years exploring new crops that could supply raw materials for biofuel production, emphasizing sustainable resource management of soil and water alongside renewable energy development .
Reduce 90% of CO2 emissions
Some of the biomass produced could feed into biofuels capable of cutting CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent. This would enable Cepsa to secure the raw material supply needed for biofuel production, addressing a central challenge in the sector. By 2030, the company projects an annual production capacity of about 2.5 million tons .
CSIC’s involvement aligns with its policy of transferring research results to the private sector to achieve real social impact. The project is led by Green Horizon Interdisciplinary Thematic Platform, comprising three CSIC centers: the Sustainable Agriculture Institute, the National Institute of Agriculture and Food Research and Technology, and the Grease Institute .
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