Spain celebrates its Bioenergy Day tomorrow, November 28, 2025, joining the European campaign led by Bioenergy Europe, whose objective is to highlight the role of sustainable biomass in the energy transition, energy independence and climate neutrality.
The initiative of the Monte Holiday Ecoturismo resort, in the Sierra Norte of Madrid, demonstrates that It is possible to convert excess forest biomass, which increases the risk of fire, into clean energy to heat accommodations and tourist services.. Monte Holiday has successfully integrated forest management, energy independence, and a sustainable tourism model that protects its environment and generates local value.
A real-world model of sustainable tourism, renewable energy, and a safer landscape
Using biomass obtained from preventative forest management in nearby forests, Monte Holiday Ecoturismo powers a 500 kW boiler that provides heating and hot water to all its tree cabins, bungalows, swimming pools and common facilities, complemented by photovoltaic solar energy, batteries and a smart digital control system.
The system generates approximately 500 MWh of thermal energy per year, prevents around 264 tons of CO₂ emissions, and saves over €30,000 annually compared to using fossil fuels. Part of these savings is directly reinvested in the management of the forest surrounding the complex, removing fuel and significantly reducing the risk of fires in this valuable natural environment.
Forest management relies on a fire self-protection plan that uses LiDAR technology to monitor vegetation and prioritize areas for forestry intervention. Thanks to the European project ST3ER, Monte Holiday is developing a ten-point guide of best practices to help other tourist facilities located in the wildland-urban interface reduce their vulnerability to fire.
A replicable solution for the rural world
The Monte Holiday model demonstrates that bioenergy can be integrated with other renewable energy sources to create manageable and resilient hybrid energy systems in rural areas. Its experience is perfectly replicable in other tourist resorts and small municipalities with forests, and it shows that the energy transition can generate local value, employment, and environmental security.
Javier Díaz, president of AVEBIOM, emphasizes that “Spain has sufficient resources to bring forward its Bioenergy Day. Every week gained means less energy dependence, fewer emissions, and more rural jobs. The Monte Holiday example demonstrates that when we manage forests with sound technical judgment and invest in biomass, we reduce the risk of wildfires, create local economies, and gain energy independence.”.
About the European Bioenergy Day campaign
Bioenergy Day marks the date from which each European country could cover its annual energy demand solely with bioenergy if it were the only source used. In the case of Spain, this corresponds to November 28; Portugal celebrated it on November 3, France on November 19, and the European Union as a whole on November 11.
The European Bioenergy Day campaign, promoted by Bioenergy Europe, disseminates information, data and practical examples showing how bioenergy contributes directly to energy security, climate action and the revitalization of rural areas across Europe.