How Moeve Is Redefining Clean Energy with Green Hydrogen Mega-Projects
Moeve’s Transformation Towards Sustainable Energy
Moeve, previously known as Cepsa, has embarked on a profound transformation in the energy landscape under its 2030 Positive Motion strategy. With a focus on sustainable energy and mobility, the company has taken steps that redefine not just its own identity, but how energy production and usage can align with long-term climate goals. Here, we’ll break down Moeve’s recent milestones, explore their innovative technologies like green hydrogen and second-generation biofuels, and discuss what these advancements mean for a more sustainable future.
Moeve’s Transition to Sustainable Energy: Key Milestones
Moeve’s transition under the Positive Motion strategy marks a turning point for the company. The rebranding signifies more than a name change—it reflects a business strategy designed for the energy demands of tomorrow. Key developments in 2024 include divesting 70% of their upstream (oil production) business, launching a new service station model, and significantly ramping up investments in renewable energy projects.
One of Moeve’s most ambitious undertakings is the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley, poised to become Europe’s largest hydrogen production project. The company started construction on a second-generation biofuels plant in Huelva, part of a complex set to produce one million tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel annually, making it the largest facility of its kind in Southern Europe. These projects are an encouraging sign for an economy aiming to balance decarbonization goals with energy security.
How Green Hydrogen is Shaping Europe’s Energy Future
At the heart of Moeve’s strategy lies green hydrogen, a clean energy solution produced using renewable electricity and water. Green hydrogen stands out for its versatility—as a fuel for heavy industry, shipping, and aviation or as a raw material for making low-carbon products.
Moeve has made strides in developing the infrastructure necessary for green hydrogen production. The Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley will use high-efficiency electrolyzers to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, powered by renewable electricity. This method ensures no carbon emissions are generated in the process. This project, when operational, will not only decarbonize Moeve’s refining and chemical facilities but also supply synthetic fuels and advanced biofuels, making it an invaluable resource for carbon-intensive sectors like transport and manufacturing.
Green hydrogen has been called the “Swiss army knife” of energy technologies because of its adaptability. Its applications include storage of excess renewable energy, replacing natural gas for heating, and fueling sectors where electrification isn’t a feasible alternative. For everyday use, this could mean cleaner fuel options for trucks, ships, and airplanes—vehicles that are notoriously challenging to decarbonize.
The Role of Second-Generation Biofuels in Sustainable Transportation
Second-generation biofuels are another major focus area for Moeve. Unlike traditional biofuels, which often rely on food crops, second-generation biofuels are made from waste materials such as agricultural residues, non-food crops, or other forms of biomass. Not only does this prevent competition with food supplies, but it also reduces the overall environmental footprint of fuel production.
With its Huelva production facility, Moeve aims to flexibly produce 500,000 tons of SAF and hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) each year. SAF, in particular, is a crucial component in reducing emissions in the aviation sector, one of the hardest industries to green. While electric planes remain a future prospect, SAF can be used in existing aircraft, making it a near-term solution.
The importance of second-generation biofuels extends to road transport as well. Moeve’s renewable diesel, or HVO, could function as a drop-in fuel for existing diesel engines, making it easy to adopt for both commercial fleets and individual vehicles without new infrastructure investments.
Moeve’s Commitment to ESG and Decarbonization
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals have become central to Moeve’s operations. By 2024, the company achieved a 25.6% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to its 2019 baseline, alongside a 19% reduction in freshwater use. Moeve also stands out for promoting gender equality, with women occupying more than 31% of leadership roles.
These efforts haven’t gone unnoticed; Moeve leads its industry in ESG ratings from global agencies like S&P and EcoVadis. Beyond being a corporate trend, ESG goals like these indicate a broader commitment to sustainability, transcending mere compliance to actively contributing to global decarbonization goals.
A Revamped Vision for Sustainable Mobility
Moeve is also bringing innovation to everyday mobility through its reimagined service stations. Their flagship location in Madrid gives consumers a glimpse of the future. Offering multi-energy solutions, including ultra-fast electric charging points alongside food, leisure, and shopping services, these stations aim to support the shift toward sustainable driving.
The company plans to roll out 600 such stations across Spain and Portugal each year. For those relying on electric vehicles or alternative fuels, this network could make long-distance travel more accessible and convenient. Additionally, fleet operators can now tap into Moeve’s electric charging solutions for professional customers, streamlining operations for businesses transitioning to electric fleets.
Current Progress and What to Look Out for
Several notable partnerships are propelling Moeve’s projects forward. For instance, the €285 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) will finance Moeve’s biofuel plant, while a green loan from Spain’s credit institute (ICO) will help expand the ultra-fast charging network. Meanwhile, collaboration with airlines like EasyJet and Iberia Maintenance positions the company as a key sustainable aviation fuel supplier.
Looking ahead, Moeve aims to break ground on the first phase of the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley, potentially setting a new benchmark for green energy in Europe. However, regulatory and incentive frameworks need to align to enable the project to meet its full potential.
How Moeve’s Innovations Translate to Everyday Impact
The advancements Moeve is championing have real-world applications that extend beyond corporate achievements. For local communities, the increased availability of ultra-fast EV chargers translates to easier adoption of electric vehicles, reduced fuel costs, and cleaner air. For industries reliant on heavy transport or aviation, SAF and green hydrogen present tangible pathways to cut emissions while keeping logistics on track.
For individuals, these changes might seem far removed from day-to-day life, but they are more connected than you’d think. For instance, as green hydrogen scales, it could bring down the costs of electricity in regions dependent on renewables, especially during peak production times. Biofuels, meanwhile, offer a stop-gap for lowering emissions without requiring drastic changes to how vehicles or machinery operate.
Final Thoughts
Moeve’s transformation illustrates a significant shift in how large companies can respond to climate challenges while maintaining business viability. The technologies they are developing—green hydrogen, second-generation biofuels, and multi-energy mobility solutions—are not just theoretical. They are practical tools driving today’s energy transition.
For you, this means a future of cleaner skies, quieter roads, and more renewable-powered homes and businesses. But progress depends on more than major corporations; governments, local businesses, and individuals all have roles to play. Whether it’s choosing sustainable travel options, advocating for smarter energy policies, or investing in cleaner technologies at home, the possibilities are starting to align with the promise of a lower-carbon future.
March 1, 2025 at 10:00AM
How Moeve Is Redefining Clean Energy with Green Hydrogen Mega-Projects
Tami Hood