Solarig is advancing the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects with a portfolio in Spain that exceeds 400,000 tons of annual SAF production. Today, Solarig announced plans for a new SAF production facility in Teruel, named ‘Turboleta SAF,’ which will have an annual production capacity of over 75,000 tons of SAF—equivalent to 33,000 flights between Zaragoza and London (with a 50% SAF blend). The plant will be located in the Platea industrial park in Teruel, covering approximately 10 hectares, and is expected to begin operations before 2030.
According to the press release, with COP29 underway and the pressing need to reduce CO2 emissions, Solarig highlights the importance of SAF in decarbonizing the aviation industry, which is responsible for nearly 14% of global transportation-related CO2 emissions. The ‘Turboleta SAF’ plant will help eliminate 340,000 tons of CO2 annually and capture and utilize 160,000 tons of CO2 each year.
The total investment in the project is estimated at €1.15 billion. ‘Turboleta SAF’ will incorporate renewable energy assets connected to the plant, including a solar photovoltaic farm, a wind farm, and a battery energy storage system. The project will generate nearly 1,200 direct and indirect jobs, with 1,000 positions during the construction phase and over 180 during operations, stimulating local development and taking advantage of existing infrastructure.
Miguel Ángel Calleja, Chairman and CEO of Solarig, commented: “This new facility positions Teruel as a leader in sustainable fuel production. It taps into the region’s natural resources—sun, wind, and water—along with biogas and biogenic CO2 from local agro-livestock waste. Supported by public entities at the national, regional, and local levels, as well as top aviation industry companies, this project is part of our broader Spanish portfolio, which exceeds 400,000 tons of SAF annually.”
The new facility will provide nearby airports, including those in Teruel and Zaragoza, with access to locally produced sustainable fuel. It will play a major role in decarbonizing the aviation sector, driving economic growth, strengthening Teruel’s industrial ecosystem, and improving quality of life by creating high-quality jobs in the Aragón region.
As part of securing project funding, Solarig has submitted ‘Turboleta SAF’ to the “Incentive Program for Renewable Hydrogen Production and Consumption Projects (Clusters or Valleys),” launched by the Institute for Diversification and Energy Saving (IDAE) and supported by Next Generation EU resources. This initiative aims to further Europe’s climate goals by promoting large-scale renewable hydrogen production and its derivatives.
‘Turboleta SAF’ complements Solarig’s ‘Numantia SAF’ project in Soria, as well as other projects throughout Spain, which together will produce more than 400,000 tons of SAF annually. This growth strengthens Solarig’s leadership in SAF infrastructure development, leveraging its expertise and a circular approach through its Energy and Green Gas divisions.
