Apical, through its renewable energy subsidiary Bio-Oils located in Huelva, Spain, has established a joint venture with Cepsa to produce second generation (2G) biofuels by constructing one of the largest plants in southern Europe.

 

The alliance marks Apical's entry to the sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) market and a key milestone in RGE's strategy to produce a range of fuels to decarbonise aviation, maritime and land transportation.

 

Apical, a leading vegetable oil processor, is a member of the Singapore-headquartered RGE group of companies.

 

The new plant, which is scheduled to begin operation in H1 2026, can produce up to 500,000 tons of SAF and/or renewable diesel annually, enabling the reduction of CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent, as compared to traditional fuels.

 

SAF is often viewed as a tool to a zero-emissions future. However, the key global challenge to the production of SAF is access to feedstock (renewable waste and residue raw materials).

 

As a large global integrated processor of vegetable oils, Apical is able to efficiently and sustainably extract waste and residue from its supply chain and its processes in a transparent and traceable manner.

 

Through the joint venture, the plant will secure the majority of its feedstock supply from Apical's agricultural waste and residue through a global, long-term agreement.

 

Cepsa will contribute its technical expertise and experience in the development of large industrial projects and fuel production; and knowledge of the European market and the decarbonisation goals of its customers in the transport sector. The facility will be located at Cepsa's La Rábida Energy Park in the Spanish province of Huelva.

 

Dato' Yeo How, President of Apical, said: "Apical's ample supply of high quality second generation feedstock is key to ensuring that the new joint venture delivers on our shared vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across air, sea and land transport. The wider use of SAF and renewable diesel provides significant benefits on a global scale, both in terms of mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting sustainable economic growth. Apical, through Bio-Oils, will ensure the supply of raw materials and contribute our own expertise in biofuels production."

 

The new facility will feature the latest technology for the production of second generation biofuels.

 

Designed as a digital native plant, the new operation incorporates state-of-the-art technology including the latest industry advances in artificial intelligence, internet of things (IoT) and data analysis to maximise process efficiency, and ensure the highest standards of safety and environmental protection.

 

By leveraging innovation, Apical is accelerating its sustainable operations in line with Apical2030's Pillar 3 (Green Innovation) of its strategic sustainability roadmap.

 

Pratheepan Karunagaran, Executive Director, Apical, said: "Aviation emissions account for 2-3 percent of global energy-related CO2 emissions and are expected to grow by 300-700 percent by 2050. To reduce the direct carbon emissions of flying, SAF can be an immediate solution. A next-generation low-carbon fuel produced from 100 per cent renewable waste and residue raw materials, it works seamlessly with existing aircraft engines and fuelling infrastructure. As the availability of waste and residue grows in tandem with the expansion of Apical's global footprint and capacities, we are able to create value-added partnerships for our waste stream in various parts of the world, especially in Asia."

 

With regard to the development of the SAF industry in Asia, Karunagaran commented: "SAF in Asia has much potential for growth and development. The good news is: as more countries begin to recognise the importance of sustainable practices and environmental responsibility, there is likely a greater focus on promoting the adoption of SAF throughout the aviation industry," he added.-TradeArabia News Service