Sesé, Repsol reach largest renewable fuel supply agreement in Spain

Photo: Sesé

Logistics company Sesé and the energy firm Repsol joined forces again, reaching the largest renewable fuel supply agreement in Spain, Sesé announced in May.

After carrying out the first pilot tests in Spain in 2022 with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) for freight transport, both companies have reached an agreement to supply 8 million liters (more than 2.1 million gallons) over the next two years—an amount that would be enough to cover 26.6 million kilometers by road.

The agreement reached represents an estimated reduction of 18,000 metric tons of CO2—by reducing CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent—compared to the fossil fuel it replaces, due to the lower carbon intensity of the renewable fuel.

Currently, Sesé has already traveled more than 4.5 million kilometers on HVO, also known as renewable diesel, and 15 percent of its own road freight-transport fleet in Spain already operates with this renewable fuel, including 40 modular vehicles or duo-trailers.

In addition, the company has set a target of eliminating 100 percent of fossil fuels from its European fleet by 2030.

“We have a clear objective—to be a CO2-neutral company by 2050,” said Sergio Treviño, Sesé’s CEO.

“And the application of alternative technologies, such as renewable fuels, which allow us to progressively decarbonize the supply chain, is essential in achieving this,” Treviño said. “Sesé and Repsol’s alliance is a further demonstration of our firm commitment to move towards a more sustainable and therefore more efficient supply chain.”

Estíbaliz Pombo, the senior manager of energy products at Repsol, added, “It is great news for Repsol to announce this new collaboration with Sesé, an old friend who trusted in our renewable fuels two years ago and who continues to be firmly committed to them as a present and future solution.” 

HVO is a renewable fuel produced from waste such as used vegetable oils, animal fats and agricultural and forestry residues, giving them a second life and boosting the circular economy.

It is a cost-efficient solution, available right now for the decarbonization of all transport sectors.

It also has the sustainability certifications required by the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive, and it meets all the technical requirements that guarantee its use in vehicles without the need for any modifications.

Sesé and Repsol are part of the recently created association CRECEMOS (Association of Renewable Fuels, Circular Economy and Sustainable Mobility), which was created last January with the aim of promoting Spain’s circular economy and the use of renewable fuels as an additional option that is currently available to decarbonize all transport sectors.

This grouping is made up of 25 leading companies in energy, raw materials, industry, transport and retail, representing the entire value chain of renewable fuels while promoting technology neutrality—looking at all available mobility solutions to complement and accompany the decarbonization of transport.