Biofuels are at the core of global decarbonization efforts, offering a low-carbon solution for existing technologies. In this context, Alfa Laval, a leader in thermal engineering and separation, has announced the signing of two major contracts worth a total of SEK 350 million. These agreements aim to equip Europe’s largest biofuel facility with advanced hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) pre-treatment technologies.
This facility is a joint venture between Cepsa Bioenergia San Roque S.L. (CSBR) and Bio-Oils Energy, a division of the Apical Group. Together, they aim to produce 500,000 tonnes annually of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel. This increased capacity will respond to growing demand for clean and renewable energy sources, essential to meeting global climate goals.
A response to growing biofuel demand
In the transportation sector, biofuels play a pivotal role in the transition to net-zero emissions. However, demand currently far exceeds supply. Industry experts estimate that global capacity must triple by 2030 to meet needs.
Sammy Hulpiau, President of Alfa Laval’s Food & Water Division, stated: “Increasing production capacity is essential, and we are proud to contribute to transforming the biofuel industry through our technologies.”
A cutting-edge sustainable infrastructure
The pre-treatment units supplied by Alfa Laval are part of a €1.2 billion investment project. The facility will enable CSBR to double its total renewable fuel production capacity to one million tonnes annually. It is also designed to reduce CO2 emissions by 75% compared to traditional biofuel plants.
This initiative highlights the growing commitment of companies and governments to sustainable energy solutions, necessary for decarbonizing sectors like aviation, which remain difficult to electrify.
