## The Current State of Renewable Gasoline and Diesel in Europe
As the world shifts towards electrification, the transition has been sluggish due to a variety of challenges—lack of infrastructure, stringent regulations, and social perceptions. With over 20 million diesel and gasoline vehicles still on the roads in Spain, many of which are more than a decade old, alternative solutions are crucial. One promising avenue is the adoption of renewable fuels.
### What Are Renewable Fuels?
Renewable fuels are created entirely from organic waste, which includes used cooking oils, animal fats, forest waste, and crop residues. Utilizing a catalytic hydrogen generation process, these waste materials are transformed into fuels with properties akin to those derived from traditional petroleum. A significant benefit of renewable fuels is that the CO₂ emitted during combustion is recycled, having been previously absorbed by plants, thus establishing a closed carbon cycle.
### Emissions Overview
Repsol, a key player in the renewable fuel market, claims that its Nexa diesel can lower net CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional diesel. Their Efitec Nexa gasoline boasts a reduction of over 70%. While it’s important to note that nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) are still produced during combustion, studies provide mixed results. Some indicate slight increases in NOₓ with specific biofuels, while others, like those from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, confirm that renewable diesel can reduce both CO₂ and NOₓ. However, a consistent reduction in particles and soot is observed across the board.
### Compatibility with Existing Vehicles
One of the most significant advantages of renewable fuels is their full compatibility with current diesel and gasoline vehicles. No technical modifications to the vehicle’s engine, tank, or gas pumps are necessary, which simplifies the transition for many drivers. Repsol’s Nexa diesel meets European standards EN 15940 for paraffinic fuels, ensuring safety and quality while contributing to improved combustion and reduced engine noise.
### Availability and Accessibility in Spain
Repsol currently leads the deployment of renewable fuels, operating over 1,000 stations that offer Nexa diesel and aiming to provide Efitec Nexa gasoline in 30 locations by year’s end. Other companies like BP are also gradually entering the market with offerings like hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) but focus primarily on professional transportation.
For those interested, locating gas stations supplying renewable fuels is made easy with online search engines from companies that feature filters for these specific fuels.
### Cost Considerations
One of the primary challenges facing renewable fuels is their cost. Current pricing for Nexa diesel is approximately 10 cents more per liter than conventional diesel, placing it in the premium fuel category. While Repsol has expanded its network, locations remain sparse outside urban centers, particularly for renewable gasoline.
### Industrial Production and Future Directions
Repsol has taken significant steps in industrial production, creating renewable diesel at its Cartagena refinery and 100% renewable gasoline at its Tarragona plant. With over two decades of research in collaboration with Honeywell, Repsol plans to launch a new facility in Puertollano by 2026 to produce over 200,000 tons of renewable fuel annually.
### Current Users and Adoption
Beyond private users, renewable fuels are finding applications across various sectors. They have been tested in high-profile competitions like the Dakar Rally and are even used in commercial flights. Transport companies like Scania and Alsa are beginning to adopt these fuels, paving the way for broader acceptance.
### A Middle Ground in the Energy Transition
Current European regulations primarily focus on tailpipe CO₂ emissions, offering an advantage to electric vehicles while overlooking the lifecycle carbon neutrality of renewable fuels. Industry advocates argue for regulatory changes that take the entire lifecycle of these fuels into account, promoting a more equitable playing field.
Repsol and others in the sector urge for adjusted taxation and long-term goals that stabilize investments. With vehicles in Spain averaging 14.5 years old and millions over two decades old, renewable fuels might represent a practical intermediate solution in this energy transition era.