INTERVIEW WITH PABLO ARIÑO – SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS

“Exploitation (…) It’s about turning scientific results, such as converting CO₂ into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into solutions that can be used by fuel producers, airlines, and other key players in the energy transition”

Pablo Ariño, Business Development Manager at Sustainable Innovations, speaks in this interview about the importance of exploitation in the ALFAFUELS project.

Q: What does the project exploitation consist of and why is it so important for the ALFAFUELS project?

A: In ALFAFUELS, “exploitation” means making sure that the innovative technologies and knowledge we’re developing can move beyond the lab and bring real value to people, industries, and the planet. It’s about turning scientific results, such as converting CO₂ into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into solutions that can be used by fuel producers, airlines, and other key players in the energy transition. This step is essential because excellent science alone is not enough. We need to connect research with market opportunities and industry needs. Exploitation helps us identify who can benefit from our work, how they can adopt it, and what commercial support is needed to make that happen. It ensures ALFAFUELS´s results will become a real drivers of change in the aviation and clean energy sectors.

Q: What are the main challenges and opportunities of this task?

A: One key challenge is that we’re dealing with very advanced, sometimes still experimental technologies. Aligning these breakthroughs with industrial realities, regulations, and investment needs takes careful planning and collaboration. But that’s also where the opportunity lies: ALFAFUELS combines cutting-edge science with a growing market demand for sustainable aviation fuels. This opens doors to innovative business models, public-private partnerships, and further research investment. If we succeed, we’ll help pave the way for a new generation of climate-friendly fuels and show that Europe can lead in transforming aviation toward a more sustainable future.