The role of renewable fuels in the decarbonization of mobility

These types of fuels represent a key opportunity to address the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in land, air, and maritime transport.

Renewable fuels have been postulated in recent years as one of the most interesting and beneficial technological alternatives to take on the decarbonization process of the transportation sector in all its forms. At a European level, this area makes up 23% of the total greenhouse gas emissions generated in the community environment. Highly relevant data and in line with those also collected in our country, with 25% of the total emissions in Spain, of which 95% come specifically from road transport.  

With these high figures and everything they imply in environmental terms, the use of this type of fuel brings with it a large number of benefits. Among them, they include the versatility of this type of fuel, as it includes both biofuels, made from organic based waste, and synthetic fuels, which are produced with renewable hydrogen and CO₂ captured from the atmosphere.  But also, that reusable raw materials (such as used cooking oil, organic waste...) are used for their production, thus promoting the circular economy and favoring energy independence.

Contribution to decarbonization goals

The different emission reduction plans currently being implemented at European, national, and global level include measures that promote the use of renewable fuels as an essential part.

• In our country, the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) 2021-2030 establishes a general renewable energy goal in transport of 14% by 2030 and specific goals for the use of advanced biofuels of 1% by 2025 and 3.5% by 2030. 
• In the case of the EU, the REPowerEU Plan gives the different Member States the option to choose between a target of 14.5% reduction in transport through renewable energies until 2030, or that at least 29% of its transport consumption comes from renewable energy until the same date. It also indicates a 5.5% quota for advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin, such as synthetic fuels based on hydrogen. 

• And finally, if we look at the initiatives that are being taken at an international level, we find that many countries are leaning heavily towards the use of these fuels. 

Reducing the carbon footprint in the transport sector

This great short and long-term commitment to the use of renewable fuels at all levels of mobility is best understood by taking into consideration two of its most important advantages. Firstly, these are fuels that allow emissions to be reduced in their life cycle, as the amount of CO₂ that is released into the atmosphere during their combustion is offset by the amount of CO₂ that has been captured prior during their raw material's useful life used for its production.

The second advantage is that they can be used in road, air, or maritime transport, without the need to make changes to their infrastructure or engines. This makes it a perfect alternative to reduce mobility emissions.

Comparing technologies

In addition to renewable fuels, there are other technologies focused on reducing emissions in mobility, such as electrification or hydrogen, which coexist and complement each other. In order to accurately determine the competitiveness of each of these alternatives, it is important to bare in mind the life cycle of the energy source and the vehicle itself, to correctly calculate its emissions reduction level. 

In the case of renewable fuels, a key factor for their emissions reduction levels is the choice of energy source for their production. Using electricity produced from renewable sources such as solar or wind energy in their processes, these fuels are proposed as a highly competitive and decisive technological alternative to reduce transport emissions. 

Driving renewable fuels

To make the most of all its potential and continue making strides in achieving the goals set regarding the use of renewable fuels, there are different associations and organizations in Spain, specialized in this field, that carry out essential outreach and support work. 

This is the case for Fundación Crecemos which, under the protection of over 20 leading organizations in sectors such as energy, industry, or transport, was created with the aim of driving the circular economy in Spain and the use of renewable fuels to successfully take on the current energy challenges.  

It is also worth highlighting the work of Plataforma Compromiso Rural, led by the Institut Cerdà and the General Secretary for the Demographic Challenge of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. The goal is to help companies promote their contribution to the development of rural areas, an environment where renewable fuels can be a great opportunity to work on reducing emissions.

Renewable fuels represent a key element in making progress in the decarbonization of transportation. Promoting and supporting its use with policies and regulations, both nationally and globally, as well as continuing to invest in its research and development, is crucial to achieving a more efficient and sustainable transportation system.