Repsol: accelerating energy transition and cross-functional collaboration

The energy transition is currently one of the greatest global challenges, requiring companies to respond quickly and innovatively.

The company was recognized at the 2025 Kaizen Awards held in Spain, having been awarded first prize in the “Innovation” category. This recognition demonstrates Repsol’s commitment to sustainable innovation and its ability to transform energy challenges into effective solutions.

Figure 1 – Repsol service station

Accelerating the launch of new products and services

The project arose from the need to accelerate the introduction of new products and services across Repsol’s fuel network. As a large organization with multiple departments and areas involved, it was often difficult to quickly identify which teams and functions were required for the development of each new project.

This complexity led to significant delays in time-to-market. The main challenge, therefore, was to reduce the launch time for new products by more than 30%, while simultaneously ensuring quality, consistency, and coordination across all company areas.

Standardizing models and promoting cross-functional collaboration

To address this challenge, Repsol, in collaboration with the Kaizen team, developed the project “Crossover of New Products and Services,” with the objective of creating standardized project models that could be replicated across the entire network.

Standardization of models and processes

Approximately 20 project models were identified and documented, which then became the foundation for launching new products and services.
Each model includes detailed information on:

• Billing and tracking models.
• Monitoring boards and KPIs.
• Communication and coordination flows.
• Areas and teams involved.

Figure 2 – Different team members

This standardized structure made it possible to reduce preparation times and ensure that all projects followed a clear and consistent execution model.

Coordination across multidisciplinary areas

The project involved the participation of more than 15 different areas, including mobility, communications, fuel logistics, technical, institutional relations, regulatory management, and technology center departments.

Coordination was ensured through periodic thematic and operational meetings dedicated to monitoring progress, maintenance, communication, and logistics.

Figura 3 – Meetings held at the company

This cross-functional approach ensured integration among the technical, scientific, and commercial teams, promoting a shared and collaborative vision.

The use of continuous improvement methodologies and structured project management was essential to ensure the scalability and technical quality of the process.

Continuous improvement was crucial in this project.” – Sara Martín Cabrera, coordinator of renewable fuels development

The Role of Technical and Scientific Innovation

The Repsol Technology Lab played a central role in the technical development of the new 100% renewable Diesel Nexa project, Repsol’s new highest-quality diesel, produced with 100% renewable raw materials and with a carbon footprint up to 90% lower compared with other fossil fuels.

One of the most relevant milestones of this process was thus the launch of NEXA Diesel, developed to offer an immediate alternative for the decarbonization of mobility. This product combines superior performance and lower environmental impact, contributing directly to the company’s objective of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

“Our ambition is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.” – Estibaliz Pombo Barés, Senior Energy Products Manager

The scientific expertise and innovation capacity of the technology center made it possible to achieve the quality objectives with speed and technical robustness, ensuring compliance with the most demanding environmental and performance standards.

Innovation and impact

The implementation of the project delivered significant results at both the operational and environmental levels:

Quantitative results

• 23% reduction in the time to launch new products and services.
• More than 1500 service stations with NEXA Diesel of 100% renewable origin in Spain and Portugal.
• 730 thousand tons of CO₂ avoided since launch.

Qualitative results

The project consolidated a new way of working, based on cross-functional collaboration, the standardization of development and launch processes for new products, and a culture of continuous improvement.

 In addition, it strengthened the company’s leadership in the energy transition, demonstrating that innovation can go hand in hand with operational efficiency and competitiveness.

Recognition of innovation and leadership in energy transition

The excellence and impact of this project earned Repsol first prize in the “Innovation” category at the 2025 Kaizen Awards , held in Spain.

Figure 4 – Company recognition at the 2025 Kaizen Awards Spain

With this project, Repsol strengthens its position as a global multi-energy leader, demonstrating that the path to decarbonization involves integrating technology, operational efficiency, and strategic vision.

“This award recognizes what we can achieve when we work together, inspiring us to continue innovating.” – Patricia Rueda Velasco, Senior Manager of Renewable Fuels Development