Repsol to produce 28,000 tonnes of renewable fuel for IAG aircraft

Aviation holding IAG has signed an agreement with Repsol to purchase and supply over 28,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) over the next six months, representing the largest purchase of the product in Spain.

The fuel produced in Cartagena will be used in IAG airlines’ aircraft – Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Iberia Express and Vueling – that fly to airports in Spain.

IAG is committed to decarbonising its operations and has set a target of 2% SAF by 2025, as set out in the ReFuelEU aviation regulation.

The use of SAF allows emissions to be reduced by more than 80% compared to traditional kerosene throughout its entire life cycle, from production to consumption.

Cartagena Plant

This year, Repsol began producing 100% renewable fuels at its facilities in Cartagena. The plant, the first large-scale plant in Spain and Portugal dedicated exclusively to the production of 100% renewable fuels and an investment of €250 million, can produce 250,000 tons per year and produces renewable diesel and SAF from waste.

IAG CEO Luis Gallego stressed in a press release that sustainability is one of the “pillars” of its strategy, but stressed the need for governments to “continue to support the creation of a SAF industry that increases its availability and reduces its price.”

For his part, Repsol CEO Josu John Imaz said that this agreement with IAG consolidates its commitment to 100% renewable fuels as “a key lever for the decarbonization of transport in Spain.”

The two companies have been collaborating on decarbonization for several years. In 2021, Iberia operated its first flight in Spain using biofuel produced from waste.