Spanish Rail Goes Green: First 2G Bio-Fuel Test by Maersk, Renfe & Cepsa

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Credit: Maersk

Maersk, along with its partners Renfe and Cepsa, will conduct the first test in Spain using second-generation biofuels in the railway sector. The goal is to create a decarbonized route for customers between Algeciras and Madrid. The partners will utilize renewable diesel fuel on the non-electrified section from Algeciras to Cordoba, and renewable electricity will be used for the remaining route from Cordoba to Madrid. This initiative aims to reduce emissions and promote sustainable transportation in the railway industry.

Second generation biofuels 

Maersk, Renfe, and Cepsa will initiate a three-month project in early July to test second-generation biofuels in the Spanish railway sector. Cepsa will supply 160 tons of renewable diesel fuel, produced from used cooking oils at its La Rábida Energy Park, for five weekly roundtrips between Algeciras and Cordoba. This renewable diesel will replace conventional diesel in Renfe locomotives used by Maersk for transporting goods. From Cordoba to Madrid, the route will be covered by electric trains powered by renewable energy. The use of renewable diesel will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 600 tons, covering nearly 40,000 kilometres. The pilot test aims to gather technical, environmental, and economic data to evaluate the feasibility of low-emission fuels as an alternative to conventional diesel on non-electrified rail lines. The goal is to offer this solution to other Maersk customers in the future.

Sustainable transportation

Maersk, Renfe, and Cepsa are currently participating in the International Logistics Exhibition of Barcelona (SIL), a prominent trade fair for logistics, transport, intralogistics, and supply chain management in Southern Europe. The exhibition, held at the Fira Conference Center, has gathered over 650 company representatives. The managers of Maersk, Renfe, and Cepsa have introduced their groundbreaking project aimed at decarbonizing the rail corridor between Algeciras and Madrid. This initiative highlights their commitment to sustainable transportation and reducing emissions in the logistics industry.

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Source: Maersk