AOP and CLH partner to promote low-carbon liquid fuels

• They demand clear and specific protection of technology neutrality in the future Climate Change legislation

• Both entities have found that they have points in common in their energy transition strategies and wish to work together on alternatives for emission reduction

The Climate Change and Energy Transition Commission of the Spanish Association of Oil Product Operators held a meeting earlier today with representatives of CLH, the Spanish oil product transport and storage company, where both entities agreed to jointly promote measures to further the decarbonisation of the sector and the fight against climate change. They also opened up a new phase where they intend to seek support for this partnership in order to promote the development of low-carbon liquid fuels: eco-fuels.

The AOP and CLH agree on the need to reduce emissions in their processes and products through innovation, and have thus analysed the strategic projects approved by both entities in order to identify opportunities for cooperation within the framework of the Strategy for the evolution towards eco-fuels presented by the AOP in October and in which CLH is engaged because of its role in eco-fuel distribution and storage, as highlighted during the meeting.

According to the president of the AOP, Luis Aires: “AOP and CLH share the same goals in relation to the decarbonisation of the sector. Therefore, we wish to consolidate this partnership and reach out to other entities which, like us, are committed to the fight against climate change and share the need to fully participate in the energy transition process, which should not exclude any technology, but rather foster healthy competition between all stakeholders, in order to allow for the development of those technologies that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases.”

The CEO of CLH, Jorge Lanza, has stressed that “CLH wishes to continue contributing to the development of society and the sustainability of the planet by managing infrastructure that is essential to people’s well-being, and will therefore strengthen cooperation with oil operators and other relevant players across different sectors with the aim of contributing to the fight against climate change, in addition to offering new energy solutions.”

During the meeting, both entities analysed the advantages offered by the Strategy for the evolution towards eco-fuels, the different technological routes it outlines to convert refineries into hyper-efficient eco-fuel production centres and the various measures that are required for its full implementation. The objective is to reduce CO2 emissions by 90% in processes and by 80% in products by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreements and environmental commitments.

Also at the meeting, the sustainability strategy approved by CLH aimed at becoming carbon neutral by 2050 was discussed. The strategy includes improving the energy efficiency of equipment, technology innovation, pipelines powered by renewable energy and cooperation in the oil sector in the development and supply of eco-fuels.