Repsol intends to build a plant to produce 2G biofuels in its Cartagena complex

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Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF.

As reported by a local media last week, Repsol is finalizing plans to build a second-generation biofuel production plant in its industrial complex in Cartagena (Murcia). Although it is not mentioned explicitly, it appears that the facility will generate HVO (also called renewable diesel). It would be the first plant of this kind to be commissioned by the Spanish multinational. But, it should be pointed out that the company already co-processes vegetable oils in some of its refineries.
News: "Repsol se prepara para construir a partir de 2020 una planta de biocombustible", La Verdad, 5/13/2019.

Figure 1. Industrial complex of Repsol in Cartagena (taken from the website of the company)

In this way, Repsol joins the growing number of companies that are betting on the renewable diesel sector. This link with the latest news that the Blog has been collecting on this topic in recent months can be checked for further information: HVO. In the following table, the few data that have been disclosed about this project in the news are summarized. The Blog will follow the advancements of this initiative with interest and expect to be able to provide additional information soon.

Location
Refinery in the Valle de Escombreras (Murcia, Spain).
The intention is to take advantage of the space of two units that fell into disuse after the last expansion of the complex (2011) to build the new plant.
Production capacity
250,000 tons.
There are details of the project that are still to be decided and it seems that this figure may vary.
Timeline
- 2019: Repsol has closed the execution of the works with a Spanish engineering and construction company and is still working on the technological development and the recruitment of partners in the oil collection sector.
- 2020: Start of the construction works.
- The plant could be built and operating within three years.

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