South Europe Ground Services uses 100% renewable diesel in ground-support equipment at select airports in Spain

Photo: Moeve

South Europe Ground Services, the handling subsidiary of International Airlines Group operating at 38 airports in Spain, is advancing its commitment to airport decarbonization through the use of 100 percent hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO100), also known as renewable diesel, produced by energy company Moeve (formerly Cepsa).

Aligned with the 2030 agenda and Aeropuertos Españoles y Navegación Aérea’s (AENA’s) climate-action plan, the handling company aims to reduce CO2 emissions from its ground-support equipment by up to 90 percent.

AENA is a Spanish state-owned company that owns and operates the majority of airports in Spain.

Moeve supplies HVO100 renewable diesel for the equipment at the airports of Málaga, Granada, Jerez de la Frontera and Almería, and plans are underway to extend this supply to Barcelona, Badajoz, and Córdoba airports next year.

Moeve produces this biofuel at its La Rábida Energy Park in Huelva, Spain.

The expansion of HVO100 use in South’s fleet will total more than 150,000 liters (nearly 40,000 gallons) of this biofuel.

South embarks on a new phase in its sustainability commitment through a partnership with Moeve to introduce HVO100 renewable diesel at the Spanish airports where it operates.

Since late 2024, this biofuel has been integrated into the fueling routine of ground-support equipment at Málaga, Granada, Jerez de la Frontera, and Almería airports, with Barcelona, Badajoz, and Córdoba soon to follow.

By the end of 2025, South expects to consume 150,000 liters of HVO100 in over 200 pieces of equipment, including air conditioners, aircraft starters, shuttle buses, tractors and platforms for wide-body and cargo aircraft.

HVO100 renewable diesel can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent over its lifecycle compared to conventional diesel.

It is also fully compatible with existing fleet engines, enabling optimized performance without modifications.

Introducing HVO100 renewable diesel into ground-handling operations reinforces South’s dedication to decarbonizing the airport sector.

The fuel is procured with a sustainability statement that reflects South’s commitment to achieving its environmental targets and minimizing its ecological footprint.

“South’s goal is to secure a sustainable future for ground handling,” said Cristina de Grado, South’s supply-chain manager. “That is why we invest in technologies and processes that reduce our carbon footprint, such as replacing thermal equipment with electric alternatives and incorporating biofuels for equipment without electric equivalents.” 

José Emiliano Pardo, Moeve’s direct-sales manager, added, “At Moeve, we provide solutions that accelerate our clients’ decarbonization efforts in a practical and effective way, such as biofuels. Our partnership with South helps drive sustainable mobility at airports by offering an immediate alternative for greener ground fleets. Coupled with our ongoing supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at major Spanish airports, this is vital for reducing the aviation sector’s carbon footprint.”

South and Moeve are also working to make HVO100 renewable diesel available at island airports, where it is not currently marketed, further supporting decarbonization of ground operations in these locations.

HVO100 renewable diesel is to ground equipment what SAF is to aircraft, marking a significant milestone in South’s evolution as a sustainable company.

To secure renewable diesel supply for its customers, Moeve is developing, in partnership, a new plant capable of flexibly producing 500,000 tons annually of renewable diesel and SAF.

This facility will be part of Southern Europe’s largest second-generation biofuel complex.

This project supports Moeve’s ambition to lead second-generation biofuel production in Spain and Portugal, targeting an annual production capacity of 2.5 million tons by 2030.