Spain urges accelerated production of renewable and synthetic fuels to lead sustainable transport

 

The recent Green Gas Mobility Summit, which brought together a record number of participants, reaffirmed Spain's potential to lead the transition to cleaner transport. Silvia Sanjoaquín, president of Gasnam, highlighted in her inaugural speech the strategic position of the Iberian PeninsulaHe emphasized that "if we know how to take advantage of the combination of capabilities offered by the Iberian Peninsula (renewable resources, geographical position, industrial fabric and logistical experience), we can become a European benchmark in sustainable transport by land, sea and air."

 

This view was shared by government representatives. Mercedes Gomez, Minister of Sustainable Development of the Government of Castilla-La Mancha, and Federico Miralles, Director General of Industry, Energy, and Mines of the Region of Murcia, reaffirmed their commitment to a territorialized and competitive energy model based on biomethane and hydrogen. Gómez highlighted Castilla-La Mancha's pioneering regulations to promote these renewable gases, while Miralles praised Murcia's potential to attract investment in biomethane and green hydrogen, pillars of employment and competitiveness.

 

From the business world, the demand for a clear and predictable regulatory framework was unanimous. Joseph Louis GilThe general manager of Renewable Gases at Naturgy defended biomethane as an effective solution for sectors that are difficult to electrify, provided there is regulation that "supports investments." For his part, Gonzalo Cañete, CEO of PreZero Iberia, emphasized the importance of biomethane in the Spanish energy mix for the coming years.

 

Green hydrogen was another key focus, with the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley serving as an ambitious example of Spain's commitment. Carlos BarrasaThe Vice President of Commercial & Clean Energies at Moeve announced the start of construction on this project, the largest of its kind in Europe, which will have 400 MW of electrolysis capacity to supply industry and transportation. In a dialogue with Jorge Paradela, Minister of Industry, Energy and Mines of the Regional Government of Andalusia, who stated that "Andalusia can be the leading producer of clean energy in southern Europe, especially green hydrogen," Arturo GonzaloThe CEO of Enagás emphasized that "Spain is destined to play a leading role in shaping Europe's new energy landscape as a major player in green hydrogen," highlighting the crucial role of infrastructure and the need to close the competitiveness gap between hydrogen and traditional fuels. Paloma Martín, the People's Party's Deputy Secretary for Sustainable Development, echoed this view, positioning sustainability as a political priority.

 

Maritime Transport: Protagonists of the Transformation

 

Benito Nunez, Secretary General of Air and Maritime Transport at MITMA, presented the Spanish Maritime Strategy 2025-2050, a comprehensive plan for the decarbonization of the sector. Companies such as CMA CGM, Wärtsilä, Bureau Veritas, DNV, Cotenaval, Axpo, Moeve, and Repsol, together with Puertos del Estado, demonstrated their firm commitment to investing in alternative fuels. The drive for the construction of new LNG-powered vessels and Spain's leadership in its supply, with more than 2.000 operations by 2024, were highlighted. The first operations using bioLNG confirmed the immediate viability of this renewable alternative.

 

Aviation: The Need to Scale Solutions

 

In the airline sector, the debate revolved around the mandatory incorporation of SAF and e-SAF quotas. Javier Gándara, president of the Association of Airlines (ALA), He called for a boost to domestic production of these sustainable fuels. Amparo Brea, Director of Innovation at Aena, emphasized the importance of adapting airports to accommodate aircraft based on hydrogen and sustainable fuels.

 

Biomethane and Hydrogen on the Road: From Promise to Reality

 

Manufacturers, logistics operators, and passenger transport companies (Volvo Trucks, CESPIRA, Iveco, Transportes F. Méndez, TUSSAM, and Grupo Ruiz) defended biomethane as key to the immediate decarbonization of heavy transport. Molgas Group confirmed the availability of this fuel in Spain. Elena Atance, General Director of Road and Rail Transport at MITMA, emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration in addressing this challenge. Hydrogen mobility is already a tangible reality, as demonstrated by the nearly 50 TMB fuel cell buses in Barcelona and the joint project between Carreras Grupo Logístico, Repsol, and Zoilo Ríos SA.

 

A Strategic Opportunity for Spain and a Call to Action

 

Companies, institutions, and representatives from the transport and energy sectors sent a clear message: Spain has a historic opportunity to lead the way in clean, efficient, and competitive mobility. However, this leadership will only materialize if administrative procedures are streamlined and European directives are effectively transposed, allowing projects to move forward definitively.

 

The Green Gas Mobility Summit has consolidated its role as a key platform for public-private collaboration and a driving force for accelerating the transformation of transportation through technology-neutral and sustainable solutions.