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The event was organized by The North of Castile with the support of AVEBIOM and the partner Verdalia Bioenergy, He highlighted that biomethane is capable of decarbonizing key sectors, generating activity in rural areas and solving environmental problems such as bad smells and aquifer contamination, but it is necessary to better inform the public about how these plants work, the benefits they provide and how their potential impacts are controlled.
During the meeting, the rapid growth of this technology in Europe was analyzed—which already produces 4.9 bcm annually and expects to reach 44.4 bcm in 2030—and the current state was reviewed in Spain, where there are already 11 operational plants, double the number in 2022.
Castile and León, With two active plants and over 100 projects in development, the region accounts for approximately 231% of the national biomethane production potential. The regional government is working on a Regional Biomethane Plan that will include clear guidelines on location, capacity, and impact management.
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The president of AVEBIOM, Javier Díaz, He emphasized that biomethane is a real and mature solution for adding value to agricultural and livestock byproducts that have often been managed inefficiently until now. He added that these facilities reduce emissions, prevent leaks and unpleasant odors, and generate renewable energy compatible with the existing gas infrastructure.
He also stressed that the sector's progress requires clear rules, social participation, and a long-term vision that allows these plants to be integrated into the territory safely and transparently.
David Garcia, The project director at Verdalia Bioenergy believes it's necessary to ask why a biogas plant is needed in each case. In his opinion, we come from a situation of poor management of organic waste, with evident impacts on the environment.
The current facilities—designed using the best available techniques—allow these residues to be transformed into energy and fertilizer, with effective measures in place to prevent odors and risks. He noted that the legal framework requires a very rigorous environmental assessment, which involves technical controls throughout the plant's lifespan.
Fernando Suárez, [Name], an honorary member of AEBIG, pointed out that many of the neighborhood protests against these facilities are based on misconceptions. He particularly emphasized the need to dispel the belief that biogas plants lead to the emergence of new factory farms.
He explained that a plant cannot operate solely on manure, and that projects are always designed based on the actual availability of byproducts in the area. No one invests millions without prior supply guarantees. Automatically associating biogas with large-scale farms is an unfair oversimplification that ignores the true purpose of these facilities: to valorize existing livestock waste and reduce its environmental impact.
Pedro Matarranz, The secretary of UPA Segovia offered the perspective of the agricultural sector. He believes the plants are arriving years behind those in Europe, where they are already integrated into the rural landscape. He considers these plants an effective alternative for treating some of the byproducts that the livestock sector has had to manage for years with limited resources and which now represent a burden.
For the model to work, he stressed, it is essential to establish relationships of trust between developers and livestock farmers, especially when formalizing clear and balanced contracts. He also pointed out that the sector is saturated with false accusations and needs to be offered real opportunities instead of more restrictions.
Participants in the debate agreed on the need to improve communication, both from businesses and government. They also highlighted the importance of clear regulations, streamlined procedures, and easier access to the grid, especially in rural areas. If managed properly, biomethane can become a valuable tool for advancing decarbonization, promoting the circular economy, and revitalizing rural areas.
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