Repsol to expand aviation biofuel production

Spain’s leading refiner sees low-carbon fuel manufacturing as key to achieving its emissions targets

Repsol has made its first 10,000t batch of aviation biofuel at its Tarragona facility, with the Spanish refiner seeking to expand production ahead of the opening of a €188mn ($228.5mn) biofuels plant in 2023. In the transport sector, aviation faces the biggest difficulties in transitioning away from fossil fuels, with weight and size considerations making battery-powered flight unsuitable for all but small planes and the long lifespan of aircraft making the prospect of switching to different engines impractical. Consequently, renewable fuels—which can be blended and used in conventional engines—offer the most promise. As such, Repsol believes alternative jet fuels offer a significant market