In an exclusive interview, general manager of Repsol Comercial Ricardo Peña Baquerizo said that PERUMIN 36 Mining Convention is the right opportunity the company was waiting for to present its value proposition for the mining industry and to tune in to its clients’ new needs, promote new projects for the La Pampilla refinery, and present its plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Read more details below.

What aspects of the PERUMIN Mining Convention are the most important to Repsol?

Repsol recognizes PERUMIN as the most important mining event in our region, an event that brings together different professionals working in the industry. It is also an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties and meet potential clients. Moreover, it gives us the chance to share our value proposition for the mining industry, to learn about its innovations and new needs, new mining projects, and to accompany our current and potential clients on their journey to achieving optimal sustainability in their mining operations and securing a reliable fuel supply with the highest quality standards. Repsol has been supporting the mining industry, which is one of Peru’s growth engines, for more than 25 years, and will continue to do so.

What projects or new information will you present in this new edition?

In this edition, we will share with our clients the most important projects at our La Pampilla refinery for 2024-2025, which will allow us to be one step ahead of the regulations proposed by the State. We will also bring an expert from our corporate headquarters in Spain to talk about the development of the hydrogen-based energy industry and its application in our industry.

How committed is the company to the global energy transition?

At Repsol we have a clear goal. We were the first company in the sector to commit to the goal of net-zero emissions by the year 2050, and in order to achieve this, our strategic plan has chosen multi-energy, with projects to develop different low-emission technologies to meet the different needs of society.

Our plan is based on three pillars: the reduction of GHG emissions, by promoting the use of new fuels, such as synthetic fuels or biofuels; the use of renewable energy, with low carbon electricity generation; and, finally, the improvement of energy efficiency, not only in our own operations, but also in those of our clients and suppliers, in order to promote the reduction of the carbon footprint of our activities. 

How do you mitigate the impact of your activities on the environment?

Repsol Peru publishes a Sustainability Report that shows the company's constant effort to disseminate essential aspects of its management, allowing it to strengthen relationships and effectively communicate with the different stakeholders. We report on the economic, social and environmental aspects of our activities to meet the expectations of our stakeholders (shareholders, employees, partners and contractors, communities, civil society, government and regulatory authorities.)

On the other hand, the La Pampilla refinery is the first refinery to receive the Peru Carbon Footprint recognition, level 3, granted by the Ministry of the Environment, due to our reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to last year.

Likewise, we have once again been listed in the MERCO Talent Ranking, thanks to our ability to attract and retain talent, as well as in the MERCO Companies Ranking, thanks to our corporate reputation, and the MERCO Responsibility ESG Ranking. We have also been working hard to promote gender equality and inclusion in the industry.

And, when it comes to mining operations, Repsol meets the highest safety, health and environmental standards, a reputation that is recognized by major mining companies.

How much do you expect to grow in the industrial and large-scale mining markets and how do you plan to do it?

Repsol is an important player in the Peruvian fuel market. It has the largest refinery in the country, which has always been at the forefront of innovation. It is worth noting that our low-sulfur fuel plants have been in operation since 2016 and have produced all the low-sulfur diesel since then. This diesel is produced in Peru according to international standards. We also have the support of the Repsol Technology Center in Madrid. In addition, our refining system has proven to guarantee fuel supply under adverse conditions, such as dangerous sea-states, and we have a state-of-the-art lab, which allows us to have a solid position and be an example in our country. We want to grow hand in hand with the mining sector, focusing on product quality and fuel security. And, of course, we want to do this while maintaining our level of excellence in safety, quality and sustainability, and helping the entire sector achieve our common goal of reducing emissions.