Eco-fuels as a fundamental part of the energy transition
The challenges facing the world make it necessary to constantly seek strategies for progress. Fossil fuels, or precisely their expiry date, are one of the biggest headaches to be faced. In this context, several studies have been carried out with the aim of replacing or at least complementing the use of petrol, diesel, or natural gas. Eco-fuels are appearing to make this transition towards an inevitable decarbonisation possible and, at the same time, to promote the fight against Climate Change.
Publicising the possibilities offered by eco-fuels is essential so that both the public and administrations are informed about the multiple possibilities they can offer in the short, medium, and long term. In order to contribute to this task, the Spanish Association of Oil Product Operators held the 2nd Conference on Ecofuels under the title "Ecofuels: complementary and essential", inaugurated by Andreu Puñet, Director General of the AOP. This event mainly dealt with the implementation of biofuels and the alternatives and strategies in place to contribute to the energy transition process.
Luis Cabra, president of FuelsEurope, gave a conference entitled "European framework: energy transition and competitiveness". In his speech, he stated that "Europe wants to be a leader and a standard-bearer in the fight against climate change", demonstrating its vanguard position in the face of the challenges facing the planet. To this end, Cabra said that eco-fuels "are necessary for the decarbonisation of transport", and that investing in them is one of the ways in which the major administrations have the greatest confidence for the future. However, he acknowledged that there is still a lot of work to be done and that the full and effective use of this fuel is not yet a reality.
The commitment in Europe to reduce emissions is absolute. The Climate Law, in force as of 2021, binds all countries, and failure to meet their climate responsibilities will result in penalties. A 55% reduction in emissions is the target by 2030 as part of the "Fit for 55" package. Electrification cannot be the only way to make this energy transition and must be accompanied by low-carbon fuels. Cabra himself said that "where electrification does not come, eco-fuels will come".
We must not forget the multiple fronts that this process must take care of due to its enormous complexity. Decarbonisation comes at a cost and if it is not done properly, many people could suffer the consequences of a disorderly and unfair transition. The transport sector is one of them, but, as Javier Gándara, president of ALA (Airline Association) explained, it is not a simple task in many of these sectors, such as the aviation sector. "Net zero emissions aviation is currently impossible," said Gándara at the round table organised by the AOP.
What he does believe is that the current path is the right one. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are the only option in the short term, although, for the moment, it is not a real solution. There are two fundamental problems surrounding this fuel: the currently marginal production - 0.1% of all the fuel required by the world's aircraft - and the price - up to 3-4 times higher than the paraffin currently used. One thing he is clear about is that in the aviation sector "it is about decarbonisation, not electrification" as the latter is practically impossible.
The meeting organised by AOP was attended by leading industry representatives, such as Elena Seco, general director of ANAVE (Spanish Shipping Association), José Carlos Caballero, technical director of ASAJA (Agricultural Association of Young Farmers), Jorge de Benito, president of CEEES (Spanish Confederation of Service Station Entrepreneurs) and Rafael Barbadillo, president of CONFEBUS (Spanish Confederation of Bus Transport). All of them agreed that promoting the production and use of eco-fuels is key for the future of Spain and Europe. Jorge de Benito pointed out the importance of achieving this because, if this were possible, it would not be necessary to change vehicles or infrastructures, it would be a job that would already be done thanks to biofuels.