Italy – Eni and Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) have struck a strategic partnership to expedite the ecological transformation of airports and to boost decarbonization activities in the aviation sector.
Since 2014, Eni has been manufacturing hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biofuel in its Venice and Gela biorefineries using its patented EcofoningTM technology; the same process may also be used to manufacture sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) from waste and plant-based raw materials.
Environmental and financial sustainability
Eni’s new “net zero carbon by 2050” approach enables the company to offer a portfolio of fully decarbonized goods that balance environmental and financial sustainability. The recent merging of the renewable and retail companies, the expansion of biorefineries and biomethane production, and the selling of low-carbon energy carriers and mobility services at service stations are all key drivers in the company’s decarbonization strategy.
ADR, Italy’s biggest airport hub and the best airport in Europe for the last two years, has been carbon neutral since 2013 and has pledged to zero emissions by 2030. The target has been endorsed by ACA 4+ accreditation (the only time the highest level of certification for CO2 emissions reduction at airports has been awarded to a European airport) and reinforced by the recent issuance of a €500 million sustainability-linked bond that directly links debt costs to sustainability results achieved – a world first for an airport.
ADR transition to smart hubs
The agreement calls for the development of decarbonization and digitalization projects to accelerate the transition of airports controlled by ADR to smart hubs. The agreement includes a provision requiring the deployment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and ground handling fuels (HVO) in the coming months. This results in fewer CO2 emissions than fossil fuels. Additionally, a cooperative program will be formed to develop sustainable transportation and distribution services for end users, as well as energy integration projects that adhere to the most sophisticated transition and digitisation models.
