The Iberian Peninsula's emergence as a SAF production hub isn't coincidental. The region boasts abundant feedstock availability, strong agricultural and livestock sectors, ample renewable energy resources, and a robust refining and petrochemical industry. This combination of factors, along with existing market demand, has created an ideal environment for renewable fuel production. 

Berta Cabello and Carlos Suarez join us on the podcast from Repsol this week. These industry leaders provide a deep dive into Repsol's ambitious renewable fuel initiatives, including their refinery in Cartagena and the e-fuel plant planned in Bilbao. This episode offers a glimpse at why Spain and Portugal are becoming powerhouses in the SAF industry, backed by abundant resources and expert industrial capacity.

 This episode delves into the vital collaboration between producers, airlines, and airports in scaling SAF adoption, while offering insights into overcoming feedstock challenges and maintaining the integrity of renewable fuel supply chains. We also unravel the strategic dynamics of the renewable fuels market, revealing how Spain positions itself uniquely by leveraging less competition and flexible production capabilities. 

Berta and Carlos highlight the crucial role of institutional support and regulatory frameworks in sustaining global competitiveness. Our discussion underscores the importance of demand-driven projects to meet Repsol's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, emphasizing the necessity for investment in low-carbon and circular products.

The foundation of Repsol's strategy lies in their flexible approach to renewable fuel production. Rather than focusing solely on SAF, they're balancing production across aviation, marine, and road transport sectors. This flexibility aims to allow them to adapt to market demands while maximizing the use of byproducts from the production process.

Looking ahead, Repsol appears well-prepared for the initial 2% SAF mandate under RefuelEU. However, they acknowledge the challenges in scaling up to meet the 6% target by 2030, particularly regarding the e-SAF sub-mandate. The company emphasizes the importance of feedstock sustainability and transparency, implementing strict auditing and certification processes to ensure the integrity of their supply chain.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to check out our most recent discussion with Dan Keibrich, Squake via the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202964/episodes/15812552