We have strengthened our commitment circular bioeconomy that maintains the knowledge transfer network INTERCAMBIOM in Spain, where initiatives that valorize organic residues and by-products and promote sustainability are collected and shared.
Moreover, this year we helped entrepreneurs from all over Spain to promote their circular bioeconomy initiatives within the framework of the challenge designed by BioRural for Europe. So in the case that we organized in Valladolid, it was like that awarded the best circular bioeconomy initiatives in South-West Europethat promote a more efficient and environmentally friendly economic model
Industrial decarbonization and biomass
The Bioenergy is increasingly playing a leading role in decarbonization of the Spanish industry. In 2024, 55 million euros have been approved from the decarbonization PERTE to replace fossil fuels with biomass in the production processes of six industries. This financial support underlines the potential of biomass as a viable solution to reduce CO2 emissions in sectors such as the food, cement or paper industries.
Companies such as Grupo Mahou-San Miguel and Lactalis have integrated biomass systems into their thermal processes, allowing them to reduce their direct CO2 emissions by up to 90%. In the paper industry, biomass has been successfully used to power drying and steam generation processesimproving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs. Projects in the ceramic industry also stand out, where biomass has been used to replace fossil fuels in kilns, significantly reducing their ecological footprint.
Heating and biomass
Heating and cooling networks improve energy efficiency and promote the decarbonization of cities and industrial areas. The 2023 census shows a growth of 5.9% in the number of networks and 11.7% in installed capacity compared to the accumulated values of 2022. In total 523 operational networks in the country, according to data collected by the Biomass Observatory for 2023a cumulative capacity of 491.54 MW and more than 820,000 MWh of thermal energy delivered to consumers.
These networks enable significant reductions in fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by using local and renewable resources. In addition, they contribute to the stability of energy prices by offering a reliable alternative that is less dependent on the international market.
Business sustainability and bioenergy
Spanish companies, together with those from Germany, are at the forefront of biomass sustainability certification, thanks to the SURE system, which ensures that their production and use comply with the the highest environmental standards required at both national and European levelchords a la REDII/III
In total, 321 companies have certified more than 5 million tons of solid biomass; More than half (54%) comes from residues of industrial processes, such as sawdust or chips from sawmills, black liquor from the paper industry and nut shells or waste from the agri-food industry.
Resilience in solid biofuels
The pellet market and other solid biofuels has proven to be resilient in the face of the economic and logistical disruptions the European continent has faced. Spain has maintained its production and supply capacity for pellets, which remains an efficient and economical alternative and highly appreciated by domestic heating users.
In total in September this year We had 63 operational pellet plants; 39 of them produce ENplus® certified pellets, which represents 88% of the total production in Spain. There are 64 chip production centers; 20 of these have a sustainability certificate through SURE, which guarantees that they meet the requirements of the European Directive REDII/III. And 30 olive pit factories for energy use; eight certify the quality of their product with BIOmasud® and five rely on SURE for sustainability.
In July this year, VAT on biofuels returned to 21%, but AVEBIOM, together with other entities in the sector, has defended the reduction of VAT to 10% for pellets, firewood and other local biomass. An action that would facilitate access to clean energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels of many citizens. Likewise, we have strengthened our information campaigns on the benefits of using pellets for heating in Spanish homes, highlighting their sustainability and economic savings.
Technology solutions to eliminate net carbon
Key solutions for effective carbon removal in 2024 such as BECCS (Bioenergy with collection and carbon storage) and biochar have received attention. BECCS combines biomass energy generation with carbon capture and storage technologies, allowing CO2 to be removed from the atmosphere on a net basis. A solution to achieve climate neutrality, which also offers opportunities for industrial sectors that want to reduce their emissions. Pilot projects are showing promising results, with applications in biomass power plants that integrate carbon capture and geological storage.
For its part, the biochar, a byproduct of the biomass pyrolysis process, is a doubly effective tool– Stores carbon stably for centuries and improves soil fertility in agricultural applications. The adoption of the first European certification framework for carbon removal will generate greater confidence in bioenergy technologies, by establishing clear and verifiable criteria that guarantee the effective elimination of carbon emissions.
Renewable gases
The sector of Renewable gases have also consolidated their good momentum into 2024with significant growth in biogas and biomethane projects. These technologies provide complementary solutions for decarbonizing transport and industry, in line with 2050 climate neutrality targets.
In addition to the approximately 250 biogas plants in operation, biomethane production has increased significantly and we already have 11 operational plants and dozens of projects in various stages of development. A growth that reflects the commitment and potential of renewable gases to contribute to the country’s sustainability and energy independence.
The fourth The Renewable Gas Fair was once again the reference event for the most important national and international players in the field of biogas, biomethane and other renewable gases. There we were able to get acquainted with the latest technological developments, the details of the most innovative projects and innovative solutions that are ready to be applied in sectors such as agriculture, industry or transport.
He International Bioenergy Congress It was once again a space for debate on regulatory challenges, investment opportunities and the integration of renewable gases into the national energy strategy and into society. The fifth edition will take place in 2025, again in Valladolid and again with the support of AEBIG.
Expobiomasa 2025: bioeconomy, bioenergy and climate solutions
On the other hand, the the organization of Expobiomasa 2025 has already startedreaffirming itself as the reference event in the bioenergy sector in the Iberian Peninsula, where companies, innovators and professionals will meet to showcase the latest technologies and developments in the sector.
In Expobiomasa 2025 will have avant-garde of home heating with biomass, the production of solid biofuels and the technology for heating and cooling networks with biomass. In addition, second generation liquid biofuel technologies and biorefinery developments will be presented, such as renewable hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and developments in biochar and carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in Spain and Europe.
Ultimately, the Spain’s bioenergy sector continues to make progress, demonstrating its strength year after year; With greater political and financial support, the development of adequate infrastructure and a more stable regulatory framework, biomass-based solutions could bring even greater security and stability to the country’s energy transition and the fight against climate change.