Bunge, Repsol expand renewable fuel pipeline with novel oilseed crops

USA – Global agribusiness giant Bunge Global and Spanish multi-energy company Repsol announced on April 24 that they have incorporated the intermediate oilseed crops camelina and safflower into their renewable energy partnership. 

The integration of these oil-rich crops marks a major step forward in broadening the pool of low-carbon intensity feedstocks used to produce hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), offering a powerful alternative to fossil-based fuels. 

These renewable fuels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel, according to the companies.

Repsol will use its advanced industrial capabilities to convert camelina and safflower oils into low-carbon fuels at its facilities in Spain. 

Meanwhile, Bunge is leveraging its global agricultural network and processing expertise to integrate these novel crops into sustainable value chains.

“We are committed to be the best-in-class partner to provide innovative solutions and support farmers’ efforts in low-carbon agriculture,” said Julio Garros, co-president of Agribusiness at Bunge. 

He added that through industry collaborations, the company is adding new oil sources to its global supply chains and investing in processing plants with greater ability to handle and process these crops, expanding our offerings of cost-effective, sustainable feedstocks to customers worldwide. 

Camelina and safflower offer multiple benefits: they can be cultivated on fallow land, enabling farmers to diversify their incomes through sustainable crop rotation while improving soil health and promoting biodiversity. 

Bunge noted that these crops do not displace traditional food and feed production but rather complement existing agricultural systems.

“Renewable fuels are a fundamental pillar for Repsol on our road to becoming zero net emissions by 2050, and intermediate crops must play a key role in guaranteeing the supply of the low-carbon feedstocks necessary to produce these fuels,” said Juan Abascal, executive managing director of Industrial Transformation and Circular Economy at Repsol. 

“Our strategic alliance with Bunge, a world leader in the vegetable oils production sector, strengthens our capacity to achieve our shared vision of decarbonising industry and mobility most efficiently.”

The collaboration builds on a transaction finalised in March 2024, in which Repsol acquired a 40% stake in three Bunge Iberica industrial facilities dedicated to oil and biofuel production. 

The companies said this initiative represents the first of its kind in Europe, designed to help meet EU-mandated renewable fuel targets.

Bunge and Repsol also emphasised their commitment to ongoing research and development efforts, including sourcing seeds directly from Spanish farmers, to ensure a reliable, local supply of advanced feedstocks for Europe’s growing renewable fuel market.

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