Oil companies are starting to look at the countryside

Oil companies are starting to look at the countryside in Spain. And it’s not exactly for drilling wells. An example is the agreement between the High Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) and Ceps on the study of possible planting cover energy crops in rural areas of Spain to produce biofuels second generation. Both entities will jointly conduct a technical-economic study of different areas of the country with the aim of determine the most suitable areas for cultivationtaking into account the sustainability of the plantation and analyzing the “most suitable” crops in each area and their ability to absorb CO2.

The aim of this agreement, according to Cepsa’s director of biofuels, Javier Antúnez, is to expand the supply of circular raw materials to second generation biofuel production which will allow “promoting the decarbonisation of sectors whose electrification is complex”, such as heavy road, maritime or air transport, while creating “new economic and development opportunities for the Spanish countryside”.

cover crops they act like protective soil barrier against erosion in sowing periods, as well as contribute increasing soil fertility, increasing the rainwater retention capacity or greater CO2 absorption. By promoting this type of crop, CSIC points out, it is possible to maximize the profitability of the same land, increase its quality, diversify income and maintain activity throughout the year. “In Spain, there is potential to introduce non-food crops on land that is not used for food production or at times of the year when the soil is not cultivated,” said a researcher at CSIC’s Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (IAS). , Leonardo Velasco.

Likewise, Velasco assured that the institution has spent years doing research new crops which can provide raw materials for biofuel production “within the framework of sustainable management of natural resources such as soil and water”, as well as renewable energy sources.

Part biomass produced from these crops can be used in the production of biofuels, which can reduce 90% of carbon dioxide emissions. With this, Cepsa will be able to supplement its sources of supply of raw materials for the production of biofuels, one of the challenges of the industry, which the company estimates will have an annual production capacity of 2.5 million tons by 2030. CSIC’s participation corresponds to the entity’s policy of transferring its research results to the private sector so that public investigation make a real impact on society.

So this project is an initiative that he leads Interdisciplinary thematic platform Green Horizonin which researchers from three CSIC centers (Institute of Sustainable Agriculture, National Institute of Agricultural and Food Research and Technology and Institute of Fat) participate.