The SAF Podcast: Exolum - Throwing SAF a pipeline

In the second episode of The SAF Podcast, we delve into the critical yet often overlooked logistics and supply chain challenges facing the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry with Gorka Penalva from Exolum, a leading pipeline and storage infrastructure company. 

With nearly 90 years of experience in hydrocarbon logistics and over 6,000 kilometers of pipeline across Spain and the UK, Exolum brings unique expertise to the SAF transportation discussion.

Gorka highlights the urgent need for investment in import logistics and blending infrastructure, particularly as SAF production projects aren't expected to come online until the 2030s and beyond. He emphasizes the importance of creating efficient import systems to meet mandates in the interim, while making airports more competitive through optimized logistics costs.

The conversation explores the environmental benefits of pipeline transport versus road freight, with Gorka revealing that moving product through their pipeline network from Avonmouth to Immingham saves as much CO2 as a flight to New York. We also discuss the technical challenges of SAF blending, including its impact on pipeline infrastructure and engine components, and how Exolum's experience in sophisticated fuel blending positions them to handle these challenges.

The episode concludes with insights into regional differences in SAF adoption, the implications of book and claim systems on physical infrastructure development, and the broader challenges of scaling SAF logistics to meet both growing aviation demand and increasing SAF mandates globally.

If you enjoyed this catch our previous discussion with CR Sincock, Avfuel discussing business aviation supply logistics and expanding capacity across the US: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202964/episodes/16057604