Repsol announced that it has started large-scale production of renewable fuels (renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel) at its industrial complex in Cartagena, Spain.

“With this first plant on the Iberian Peninsula we are taking another step forward in our transformation towards decarbonisation, with a cutting-edge technological project,” said Juan Abascal, executive managing director of industrial transformation and circular economy, Repsol.

The Spanish multi-energy firm invested €250m in the construction of the unit, which has a production capacity of 250,000 tons per year.

The plant can produce renewable diesel and SAF which can be used in multiple means of transport with existing refuelling infrastructure.

The plant will process 300,000 tons of organic waste a year – used cooking oil, among others – prioritising residues of national and European origin.

Repsol is certified under the ISCC-EU Voluntary Sustainability Scheme and the Spanish National Sustainability Verification System, ensuring traceability and the production of sustainable biofuels in accordance with Renewable Energy Directive (RED) standards.

Earlier, Repsol invested $300m in to the oilseed producer and supplier of specialty plant-based oils and fats company Bunge, raking up 40% stake in its three industrial facilities.

Under the agreement, Bunge will continue to operate its three plants dedicated to the production of oils and biofuels in Bilbao, Barcelona, and Cartagena, near Repsol’s industrial complexes located in the same regions.

The partnership will help Repsol increase its access to a wide portfolio of low-carbon intensity feedstocks to produce renewable fuels.

Repsol currently produces 1.1m tons of renewable fuels (including SAF) but plans to increase its output by up to 55%, reaching 1.7m tons in 2027.

The launch of 250,000 tons-a-year advanced biofuels plant in Cartagena, Spain will help the company in achieving its 2027 target.

In addition, Repsol is also retrofitting another unit at its industrial complex in Puertollano, Spain, with a capacity to produce 200,000 tons of renewable fuel per year.