Evolgene, a Spanish company co-founded by Raúl Pérez Jiménez and Xabi García Roldán, has taken a significant step in the production of sustainable aviation fuels, known as SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), after 11 years of research. This breakthrough is especially relevant now that, as of January 1 of this year, the use of sustainable fuels in commercial aircraft is mandatory. A considerable growth in the implementation of SAF is anticipated in the coming years, underscoring the importance of this technology within the aviation industry.
The company stands out globally thanks to its innovative enzymatic technology focused on the production of second-generation ethanol (2G), extracted from cellulosic waste, thus reducing production costs compared to first-generation ethanol, which comes from food crops. According to calculations by Evolgene, up to 450 liters of 2G ethanol can be obtained from one ton of eucalyptus biomass, as audited by the Centre for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT).
The production of 2G ethanol is based on an innovative process that combines two crucial stages. The first, known as ASR (Ancestral Sequency Reconstruction), facilitates the obtaining of enzymes of ancestral origin suitable for industrial processes. The second stage involves optimization through a cocktail of enzymes from genetically modified organisms. With these methods, Evolgene aims to reduce the production cost of 2G ethanol to less than 0.40 cents per liter, a price that would make it competitive against conventional fossil fuels.
As part of its expansion strategy, Evolgene plans to build two refineries in collaboration with other companies in the sector before 2030, increasing to a total of approximately twenty facilities in a five-year period, with the aspiration of becoming a global leader in sustainable fuel production.
The widespread use of SAF has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with air transportation by up to 80%. The recent European regulation establishes a long-term plan that includes a gradual use of sustainable fuels in aviation, starting with 2% in 2025 and reaching up to 70% by 2050, representing a significant step towards the sustainability of the aviation sector.
via: MiMub in Spanish
