Solarig leads the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel with a project portfolio exceeding 400,000 tons per year of SAF in Spain

Solarig leads the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel with a project portfolio exceeding 400,000 tons per year of SAF in Spain

• The company is intensifying its efforts in the race for decarbonization, reaffirming its Climate commitments. This initiative comes ahead of the Final Declaration of COP29 in Baku, with a portfolio of sustainable fuel production projects that will avoid the emission of at least 1.85 million tons of CO₂ equivalent annually. 
• Under the name ‘Turboleta SAF’, Solarig announces the development of a plant for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Teruel, with a production capacity exceeding 75,000 tons annually. ‘Turboleta SAF’ will involve an estimated investment of €1.15 billion and create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction, and more than 180 during operation. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027. 
• Solarig has submitted the ‘Turboleta SAF’ project to the “Incentive Program for Renewable Hydrogen Production and Consumption Projects (Clusters or Valleys)” initiative of the Institute for Diversification and Energy Saving (IDAE) to secure financial support from the European Next Generation EU funds. 

Madrid, November 22, 2024.- Solarig is progressing the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects with a portfolio that exceeds 400,000 tons of annual SAF production in Spain. Specifically, Solarig announced today the development of a sustainable aviation fuel production plant in Teruel. The project, named ‘Turboleta SAF,’ will have a production capacity of more than 75,000 tons of SAF annually—equivalent to 33,000 flights between Zaragoza and London (based on a 50% SAF blend). Located in the Platea industrial park in Teruel and spanning approximately 10 hectares, the plant is expected to be operational before 2030. 

In light of COP29 and the urgent need to reduce CO₂ emissions, Solarig underscores the importance of SAF as a critical tool for the decarbonization of the aviation sector, which accounts for nearly 14% of global CO₂ emissions attributable to transportation. This project will enable the decarbonization of 340,000 tons of CO₂ annually and the capture and utilization of 160,000 tons of CO₂ each year. 

With a total estimated investment of €1.15 billion, ‘Turboleta SAF’ will include dedicated renewable assets directly connected to the industrial plant, such as a solar photovoltaic plant, a wind farm, and a battery energy storage system. The plant will create nearly 1,200 skilled direct and indirect jobs—1,000 during the construction phase and over 180 during operation—boosting local development and leveraging existing infrastructure. 

Miguel Ángel Calleja, Chairman and CEO of Solarig, stated:

This new facility places Teruel at the forefront of sustainable fuel production.

“It leverages the region’s natural resources, such as sun, wind, and water, as well as biogas and biogenic CO₂ from our facilities, derived from agro-livestock waste in the area. This project, supported by national, regional, and local public entities and leading companies in the aviation sector, is part of our Spanish portfolio, which exceeds 400,000 tons of SAF annually.” 

Nearby infrastructures, such as the airports of Teruel and Zaragoza, will benefit from this new facility by having access to locally produced sustainable fuel. This plant will significantly contribute to the decarbonization of the air transport sector, driving economic growth, enhancing Teruel’s industrial ecosystem, and improving quality of life while creating high-quality jobs in the Aragón region. 

As part of the project’s financial consolidation, Solarig has submitted ‘Turboleta SAF’ to the “Incentive Program for Renewable Hydrogen Production and Consumption Projects (Clusters or Valleys)” initiative launched by the Institute for Diversification and Energy Saving (IDAE), funded through Next Generation EU resources. Through this initiative, the company aims to contribute to Europe’s climate goals and promote the large-scale production and consumption of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives. 

‘Turboleta SAF’ joins Solarig’s ‘Numantia SAF’ project in Soria, along with other projects across Spain that collectively will produce more than 400,000 tons of SAF annually. This growth solidifies Solarig’s position as a leader in sustainable aviation fuel infrastructure development, bringing its expertise and a circular approach through its Energy and Green Gas divisions. 

Solarig, sustainable solutions for society  

Solarig develops, finances, builds, and operates infrastructure for the energy transition. The company currently manages over 10 GW of photovoltaic assets and holds an energy project portfolio exceeding 20 GW across 12 countries. Solarig drives global decarbonization through renewable energy solutions, sustainable fuels, and green gases. Headquartered in Madrid, Spain, Solarig has a strong presence in Europe, Central and South America, Japan, and Australia. Committed to innovation and sustainability, Solarig boasts a team of more than 1,300 professionals. 

Solarig is dedicated to advancing the energy transition towards global decarbonization and achieving maximum energy independence in the markets where it operates. With a mission to play a vital role in society’s sustainable progress, Solarig leads the transition to cleaner energy sources, promotes sustainable development in the regions it serves, and maintains strong relationships with public institutions, communities, shareholders, clients, employees, collaborators, and suppliers. 

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