Repsol begins production of 100% renewable fuels in Puertollano

With this new facility, the company is advancing the transformation of its industrial centres toward production based on the circular economy, capable of generating essential products for society with a lower carbón footprint.

To develop this project in Puertollano, Repsol has invested €130 million in transforming, for the first time on the iberian peninsula, a refinery unit that processed fossil-based raw materials into a facility capable of processing used cooking oil and other waste from the agri-food industry.

The 200 000 tpy of organic-based fuels produced at this plant—renewable diesel in this case— can be used immediately in cars, trucks, and ships, leveraging existing refuelling infrastructure. Their use can prevent the emission of approximately 700 000 tpy of CO2, considering the product’s entire life cycle, compared to the conventional fuels they replace.

Antonio Lorenzo, director of Repsol’s Industrial Complex in Puertollano, stated: “The start of production at this plant marks another step forward in Repsol’s commitment to liquid fuels from renewable sources, as well as in the transformation of our complex, with the aim of positioning it as a leading industrial hub in the circular economy and renewable fuels.”

Commitment to the industry

This project “is one of the most ambitious undertaken in recent years at the Puertollano industrial complex and demonstrates Repsol’s commitment to industry, the creation of quality jobs, and solutions that help strengthen Spain’s energy independence,” said Antonio Lorenzo.

The investment has had a significant direct impact on the local industrial base and employment: during the construction and commissioning phases, more than 650 000 work hours were logged, involving around 80 subcontractors – most of them from the region – and an average daily workforce of more than 110 people, with peaks of over 250 workers.

The integration of the new unit into the complex’s production system has been one of the project’s key achievements. To this end, large scale equipment – including reactors designed specifically for this type of production – has been installed, while auxiliary services and existing logistics infrastructure have been adapted.

In addition, the new unit will use renewable hydrogen to further reduce the CO₂ footprint of the diesel produced by up to 98% compared to mineral-based fuel. The renewable hydrogen will be produced at the industrial complex by replacing natural gas – from which conventional hydrogen is obtained – with a biogas produced from waste. To achieve this integration, Repsol has invested an additional €16 million.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/the-environment/05062026/repsol-begins-production-of-100-renewable-fuels-in-puertollano/