Cepsa, Maersk and Renfe successfully complete the first 100 routes of Spanish rail transport with renewable fuel

2023-11-25 11:05:21

Cepsa, Maersk and Renfe have successfully completed the first test in Spain of renewable fuels in rail transport. For 15 weeks, Renfe locomotives have used more than 130 tons of HVO (renewable diesel) to complete 100 journeys between Algeciras and Córdoba, a section of the corridor that connects Algeciras and Madrid that is not electrified. This, added to the use of renewable energy in the rest of the itinerary, has allowed the sustainable transport of more than 4,700 containers (TEU) and avoid the emission of nearly 500 tons of CO2.

This pilot has obtained some very satisfactory results, demonstrating optimal engine performance. For this reason, Cepsa, Maersk and Renfe are analyzing the possibility of continuing to cover the route with renewable diesel and even expanding it to other non-electrified routes.

This second generation biofuel, which has replaced the conventional diesel used in Renfe locomotives, has been produced in Cepsa’s La Rábida Energy Park (Huelva). from used cooking oils. This type of renewable fuel can be used in engines without the need to make modifications to them and, throughout their life cycle (from production to use), manages to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%, compared to traditional fuels. In addition, second generation biofuels promote the circular economy, by using waste for their production that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Collaboration for decarbonization

After successfully carrying out various tests in air and maritime transport, and beginning to market renewable diesel at its service stations and customer facilities, the achievement of this pilot represents new progress for Cepsa in its objective of facilitate the decarbonization of heavy transport through the production of green molecules. As established in its ‘Positive Motion’ strategy, the company wants to become a benchmark for the energy transition and lead the manufacturing of renewable fuels in Spain and Portugal by 2030, with an annual production capacity of 2.5 million tons.

Maersk has announced that it will achieve net zero emissions by 2040 in all business areas, such as maritime, inland and air transport, as well as in land-based activities such as warehousing, terminals and other land-based services. To achieve this, Maersk has already defined ambitious short-term goals by 2030. These include a 20% reduction in GHG emissions (compared to the base year 2020) from its land logistics activities, such as rail and truck.

Renfe Mercancías, a leading operator in sustainable mobility, continues to strengthen its corporate strategy in a clear commitment to leading the decarbonization of transportation. During the past year, practically 80% of the total traffic carried out by the company was carried out by ‘ZeroCO2’ electric locomotives powered by renewable energy, a proportion that is being increased thanks to the acquisition of new, more modern, safe electric traction motor material and efficient. Along these lines, Renfe Mercancías has put into service this year 12 new high-power electric locomotives to operate on Iberian gauge and last March it awarded the contract for the supply of another 12 international gauge electric locomotives worth 136.7 million euros with the option of additional supply of 6 more locomotives for freight circulation in the Mediterranean Corridor and for be able to operate in France. The launch of this trial with biofuel will allow us to explore sustainable alternatives for rail transport on non-electrified lines.