RIC Energy, a Spanish multi-technology company and one of the main investors in green hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) projects in the country, has been selected by the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) as part of the 16 projects admitted in the first call of the Hydrogen Valleys initiative. This milestone marks a decisive step in consolidating the role of renewable hydrogen as a driver of the energy transition in Spain.
“We are proud to have passed this first selection and to be able to contribute to the reindustrialization of strategic areas through our commitment to e-SAF,” said Pablo García-Salmones, Director of Hydrogen at RIC Energy. “The development of this type of fuel is key for our country, as aviation and tourism—sectors that account for nearly €208 billion of Spain’s GDP—depend on a sustainable and competitive supply. The lack of sufficient e-SAF supply could have a negative impact on our economy in the future.”
Leading the development of strategic projects in Spain
One of the company’s recent milestones is the definitive acquisition of the land of the former SNIACE plant in Torrelavega, Cantabria, where RIC Energy plans to develop one of the largest green hydrogen and e-SAF projects in Europe. “After a long process, we have secured ownership of this strategic land as an initial step toward continuing the development of the project,” the company explained.
A strong commitment to SAF for aviation decarbonization
As a pioneer in renewable energy and committed to decarbonization, RIC Energy is developing plants dedicated to the production of e-SAF, a sustainable aviation fuel based on renewable sources. This fuel is produced through the combination of green hydrogen and biogenic CO2, allowing for a significant reduction in CO2 emissions in a sector responsible for more than 2% of global emissions. In 2023, aviation generated around 800 million metric tons of CO2, highlighting the urgency of implementing sustainable solutions.
Currently, the company has three projects under development that will enable an annual production of approximately 150,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel, an amount equivalent to that used in about 30,000 flights between Madrid and Mallorca.
RIC Energy’s projects are strategically located in areas with close access to renewable energy sources, thereby optimizing the production process’s efficiency. This approach is backed by more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, enabling the company to accumulate deep technical and industrial expertise. Additionally, RIC Energy has established partnerships with leading international technology companies and engineering firms to ensure the successful development of these initiatives.
The company has also secured the necessary supply of biogenic CO2 through agreements with emitters, ensuring stability in its production processes and reinforcing its commitment to the circular economy. Simultaneously, several airlines have already signed agreements to purchase the fuel, highlighting the sector’s strong commitment to decarbonizing its activities.
The sustainable aviation fuel market is in a phase of rapid evolution and is ready to absorb the planned production. One of the key advantages of e-SAF is that it requires no adaptation in aircraft, facilitating its immediate implementation by airlines. In this context, RIC Energy is positioned to play a fundamental role in the transition to more sustainable air transport, with strategic benefits for Spain’s and Europe’s economy and environment.
With these projects, RIC Energy not only advances its leadership goal in the sustainable fuel sector but also contributes to the creation of numerous jobs, the reindustrialization of strategic areas, and the construction of a more sustainable future.
About RIC Energy
RIC Energy is an independent group and a leader in the development of multi-technology renewable energy projects. With a strong strategy focused on consolidating itself as a selective Independent Power Producer (IPP) in mature technologies and markets, the company has a presence on four continents and a development and construction portfolio exceeding 20,000 MW. Its initiatives include solar photovoltaic, BESS, biogas, wind, and green hydrogen and derivatives projects, reaffirming its commitment to the global energy transition.