Cepsa and Air Nostrum sign an agreement to promote the decarbonization of air travel

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

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Clean Energies

Energy Transition

Global

Cepsa continues to expand partnerships as part of its commitment to the energy transition and aviation sustainability
The agreement includes the development and production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) from circular raw materials and other energy alternatives, such as renewable hydrogen and electrification
Sustainable fuels reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional fuels

Cepsa and Air Nostrum, the leading regional aviation company in Spain and one of the largest European airlines in its class, today signed an agreement to boost the decarbonization of air transport through the research and production of new Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). These fuels, which reduce aviation emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional kerosene, will be produced from circular raw materials that do not compete with food such as used cooking oils, non-food animal waste, and biodegradable waste from various industries.

The alliance also contemplates the development of new energy alternatives such as renewable hydrogen and electrification for Air Nostrum's ground fleets, including supply vehicles, baggage handling, and aircraft assistance, among others.

Following the signing of the agreement in Valencia, Carlos Barrasa, Cepsa's Director of Commercial & Clean Energies, said:

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“With agreements like the one reached today with Air Nostrum, we are working simultaneously for the planet’s future and for our customers' present day. Our objective is to support them in their decarbonization processes and together move faster on our commitments to sustainability.”

Carlos Barrasa - Cepsa's director of Commercial & Clean Energies

For his part, Carlos Bertomeu, president of Air Nostrum said: “At Air Nostrum, for many years now, we have been doing everything in our power to reduce our carbon footprint, which is why it is no coincidence that Air Nostrum was the first Spanish airline to obtain the demanding ISO14001 environmental certification. Since then, we have made significant progress in this field by applying processes and technologies to achieve this challenge, and we will continue to research and support those projects that allow us to work in favor of the environment. Today our participation in this partnership for the decarbonization of the aviation sector with CEPSA has become a reality. The agreement we are presenting is a good example of a strong, long-term commitment to sustainability and is in line with the efforts that have enabled commercial aviation to reduce its CO2 emissions per seat/kilometer by 80% over the past 50 years. The decarbonization of the sector necessarily starts with PAS since its use as a sustainable fuel does not require the adaptation of aircraft engines."

This alliance is part of Cepsa’s commitment to sustainable fuels following agreements signed with other major airlines. It is in line with the European legislative initiative 'RefuelEU Aviation,' included in the European Commission's Fit for 55 measures, which aims to boost the supply and demand of sustainable fuels for aviation in the European Union, reaching a use of 2% in 2025, 5% in 2030 and 63% in 2050.

SAF has become a key element in ensuring the sustainability of the air transport sector. Through this agreement, Cepsa and Air Nostrum will be able to continue reducing their carbon footprint and contribute to the energy transition and the fight against climate change. This partnership supports several of the Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 7 (Access to affordable and clean energy), SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production), and SDG 13 (Climate action).

In this regard, the company is working on an ambitious plan to green all its businesses and become a leader in the energy transition, in which renewable energies will play a major role. In addition, the company has extensive experience in this field: it has been producing sustainable fuels at its industrial centers for a decade and is carrying out pioneering studies worldwide to convert waste and used oils into renewable fuels with high energy value.

Air Nostrum is working to reduce emissions through in-flight efficiency projects, using SAF, improving fuel reduction policies, and lightening onboard weight through digitalization. And also by working closely with the various players in the chain, such as manufacturers, fuel producers, and distributors and startups, as it did in 2021 with the signing of several agreements aimed at seeking new, more sustainable propulsion formulas. In parallel, it develops circular economy and waste management projects such as the reduction of single-use plastics or segregation on board and on land, energy efficiency projects in facilities and electrification of the land fleet.

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Cepsa and Air Nostrum sign an agreement to promote the decarbonization of air travel

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