Santander México Backs SAF Research for 2025 Climate Goals

Banco Santander México has expressed its willingness to collaborate with academic institutions working on projects related to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), according to Mariuz Calvet, Executive Director of Sustainability at the bank. Following the launch of Reto Santander Sostenible 2025, Calvet identified the aviation industry as a strategic focus for Santander’s climate objectives. “It is one of the sectors we define as ‘climatic,’ meaning we work closely with clients to measure and support their progress toward net-zero emissions,” she noted.

Building on previous efforts in the agricultural sector, Santander México now seeks to engage with institutions driving SAF production initiatives. Alonso Cervera Lomelí, Deputy General Director of Studies, Public Affairs, and Communication, emphasized the bank’s openness to all types of projects, regardless of their development stage or technology maturity.

Alan Elizondo, Director General, FIRA (Fideicomisos Instituidos en Relación con la Agricultura), outlined the agency’s potential role in supporting SAF infrastructure. “Given that SAF production is part of agricultural industrial processes, FIRA is well-positioned to finance machinery for biomass storage, incineration, and energy generation,” he said.

Elizondo added that if Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA) proposed a SAF project utilizing agricultural bioresources, FIRA would be ready to collaborate and help connect the initiative with energy producers. He underscored the importance of having an anchor buyer like ASA to ensure the bankability of financing arrangements.

Reto Santander Sostenible 2025 aims to promote innovative sustainability initiatives from entrepreneurs and startups in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food, and rural development. Banco Santander will award a total of MX$1 million in seed capital—MX$400,000 for entrepreneurs and MX$600,000 for startups. Selected participants will also receive certified business training through the University of Manchester and Universidad de los Andes.

Applications are open from June 30 to Sep. 7, 2025, via www.santanderx.com. The challenge targets entrepreneurs aged 18 and older whose projects address environmental issues in Mexico’s agro-industrial landscape. The program includes a three-stage selection process, culminating in a final event on Oct. 9, 2025, in Mexico City, where the winners will be announced.