Eni, Atlantia unit join forces to develop aviation biofuel
14/09/2021 12:11
MILAN, Sept 14 (Reuters) - Energy group Eni ENI.MI and
Atlantia's ATL.MI airport unit Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) have
signed an agreement to develop biofuel for aviation to fight
climate change, the two Italian groups said on Tuesday.
Airports operators and airlines are under pressure to
contribute to the EU's goal to cut economy-wide net carbon
emissions by 55% by 2030 from 1990 levels.
In July, the European Commission proposed to force suppliers
to blend a minimum of 2% of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into
their kerosene from 2025, rising to 5% in 2030 and 63% in 2050.
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Eni and ADR said they would work together on decarbonisation
and digitalisation projects for the airports managed by ADR,
including Rome's Fiumicino and Ciampino.
Under the agreement, ADR plans to introduce sustainable
fuels for aviation and ground handling at Rome airports in the
coming months.
"We are deeply committed to ensuring carriers have access to
biofuels in the coming months, ahead of expectations," ADR Chief
Executive Marco Troncone said in a statement, speaking of Rome's
two airports, which are both managed by the company.
Eni has been converting its refineries in Italy to produce
biofuels as part of its drive to become net carbon neutral by
2050.
It produces Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil biofuel in its Venice
and Gela bio-refineries using its own in-house technology and
can also produce sustainable aviation fuel with the same
technology from waste and plant-based raw materials.
"We are ready to make our technology and low-carbon products
available to the sector," Eni Energy Evolution Chief Operating
Officer Giuseppe Ricci said.
In a press release ADR said it would reach EU target of zero
carbon emission in 2030, ahead of a 2050 target for European
airports.
(Reporting by Francesca Landini and Stephen Jewkes; editing by
Jason Neely)
((francesca.landini@thomsonreuters.com; +39 02 66129437;
Reuters Messaging: reutersitaly.thomsonreuters@reuters.net))