Strategic Partnerships in Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Moeve's Integration with Shell's Platform

The aviation industry's race to decarbonize has entered a pivotal phase, with strategic partnerships emerging as a cornerstone of progress. Moeve, a Spanish energy company specializing in second-generation biofuels, has taken a bold step by joining Shell's blockchain-based platform, Avelia, as the first external supplier of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This collaboration not only accelerates the scaling of SAF but also underscores the growing importance of cross-industry alliances in achieving net-zero aviation by 2050. For investors, the integration of Moeve and Shell represents a compelling opportunity to capitalize on the infrastructure and technology driving the transition to carbon-neutral flight.

A Strategic Alliance for Scalability

Moeve's entry into Shell's Avelia platform marks a significant milestone in SAF commercialization. By leveraging Shell's blockchain technology, Moeve can now streamline the supply chain for SAF, ensuring transparency and traceability from production to end-use. According to Reuters, this partnership enables Moeve to supply SAF to airlines through a digitalized framework that tracks environmental attributes in real time. For instance, Moeve has already signed a supply contract with Norwegian to provide SAF for flights departing from Las Palmas airport to Nordic countries, supporting Norwegian's goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030, according to Moeve's press release.

The strategic alignment between Moeve and Shell is further reinforced by regulatory tailwinds. The European Commission's RefuelEU Aviation initiative mandates a 2% SAF blend by 2025, rising to 70% by 2050. Moeve's production of SAF from used cooking oils at its La Rábida Energy Park in Huelva-capable of reducing CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional jet fuel-positions the company to meet these targets, the company said. Additionally, Moeve is developing a new plant with 0.5 million metric tons of annual SAF and renewable diesel capacity, set to begin operations in 2026. By 2030, the company aims to achieve 2.5 million metric tons of biofuel production capacity, solidifying its role as a regional leader in second-generation biofuels.

Blockchain as a Catalyst for Decarbonization

Shell's Avelia platform, developed in partnership with Accenture and Amex GBT, is a linchpin in this transition. As of March 2025, Avelia has facilitated the delivery of over 33 million gallons of SAF at 17 global airport injection points, avoiding more than 300,000 tonnes of CO2e compared to conventional jet fuel. The platform's evolution into a multi-supplier model allows airlines to access SAF from diverse producers, enhancing flexibility and market competition. The introduction of a "Bring Your Own SAF" (BYOS) model further empowers airlines to incorporate SAF purchased outside Shell's supply chain, bolstering the credibility of book-and-claim solutions.

Blockchain technology's role in this ecosystem cannot be overstated. By recording environmental data on an immutable ledger, Avelia ensures that emissions reductions are verifiable and attributable to specific suppliers and users. This transparency is critical for airlines seeking to meet corporate sustainability goals and for investors demanding accountability in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) portfolios. Shell's broader digitalization strategy, which includes decentralized identity solutions and offline transaction capabilities, further enhances the platform's scalability and resilience, according to Moeve's e-SAF announcement.

Investment Opportunities in a High-Growth Sector

The integration of Moeve and Shell highlights a broader trend: the convergence of technology, policy, and capital in the SAF sector. For investors, this partnership offers exposure to multiple high-growth levers:
1. Infrastructure Development: Moeve's planned 2.5 million metric ton production capacity by 2030 requires significant capital investment, creating opportunities for infrastructure-focused funds and private equity.
2. Blockchain Innovation: Shell's Avelia platform is a testbed for blockchain applications in energy, with potential spillover into other sectors such as renewable hydrogen and carbon credits.
3. Regulatory Arbitrage: The RefuelEU Aviation mandate and similar policies in the U.S. and Asia create a regulatory tailwind for SAF producers, incentivizing early movers like Moeve.

Moreover, Moeve's diversification into renewable diesel-supplying HVO100 to South, a ground services company operating at 38 Spanish airports-demonstrates the company's ability to monetize its biofuel expertise across aviation and logistics. By 2025, South plans to consume over 150,000 liters of HVO100 annually, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 90%. This cross-sectoral approach mitigates risk and expands revenue streams, a critical factor for long-term investment viability.

Risks and Considerations

While the outlook is optimistic, investors must remain cognizant of challenges. SAF production remains costlier than conventional jet fuel, with feedstock availability and technological bottlenecks posing risks. However, Moeve's €8 billion investment plan under its 2030 Positive Motion strategy-allocating over 60% to sustainable businesses-signals confidence in overcoming these hurdles. Additionally, the company's collaboration with the Global Impact Coalition (GIC) to develop e-SAF and sustainable olefins underscores its commitment to innovation.

Conclusion

Moeve's integration with Shell's Avelia platform exemplifies the strategic partnerships needed to decarbonize aviation. By combining Moeve's biofuel expertise with Shell's blockchain innovation, the collaboration addresses scalability, transparency, and regulatory compliance-key barriers to SAF adoption. For investors, this synergy represents a rare opportunity to align with a sector poised for exponential growth. As the aviation industry races toward net-zero, early movers like Moeve and Shell are not just shaping the future of flight; they are building the infrastructure for a carbon-neutral world.