On November 30, Spain celebrated the Bioenergy Day, a symbolic date from which biomass could cover the entire energy demand of the country from that day until the end of the year, and which demonstrates the capacity of bioenergy to contribute to the national energy mix.
The circular bioeconomy, increasingly recognized
We have reinforced our commitment to the circular bioeconomy by maintaining the knowledge transfer network INtercamBIOM in Spain, where initiatives that value organic waste and by-products and promote sustainability are collected and shared.
Furthermore, this year we have helped entrepreneurs across Spain to boost their circular bioeconomy initiatives within the framework of the challenge designed by BioRural for Europe. At the event we organized in Valladolid, the best circular bioeconomy initiatives in southwestern Europe, which promote a more efficient and environmentally friendly economic model, were recognized.
A pillar for industrial decarbonization
Bioenergy is playing an increasingly important role in the decarbonization of Spanish industry. In 2024, several projects were approved. 55 million euros from PERTE for decarbonization to replace fossil fuels with biomass in the production processes of six industries. This financial support underscores the potential of biomass as a viable solution for reducing CO2 emissions in sectors such as the food, cement, and paper industries.
Companies like Mahou-San Miguel Group Lactalis and other companies have incorporated biomass systems into their thermal processes, achieving reductions of up to 901,000 tons of direct CO2 emissions. In the paper industry, biomass has been successfully used to fuel drying and steam generation processes, improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs. Projects in the ceramics industry are also noteworthy, as they have adopted biomass to replace fossil fuels in kilns, significantly decreasing their carbon footprint.
Heating and cooling networks with biomass: an expanding heating model
District heating and cooling networks improve energy efficiency and promote the decarbonization of cities and industrial areas. The 2023 census shows a 5.91% increase in the number of networks and an 11.71% increase in installed capacity compared to the cumulative figures for 2022. In total, 523 operational networks in the country, according to data collected by the Biomass Observatory for 2023, an accumulated capacity of 491.54 MW and more than 820,000 MWh of thermal energy delivered to consumers.
These networks allow for a significant reduction in fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing local and renewable resources. Furthermore, they contribute to energy price stability by offering a reliable alternative that is less dependent on the international market.
Spanish companies, committed to sustainability
Spanish companies, along with those from Germany, are at the forefront of biomass sustainability certification, thanks to the SURE system, ensuring that their production and use meet the highest environmental standards required at both national and European levels, in accordance with REDII/III.
In total, 321 companies have certified more than 5 million tons of solid biomass; more than half (54%) comes from industrial process waste such as sawdust or wood chips from sawmills, black liquor from the paper industry, and nut shells or pomace from the agri-food industry.
A resilient market for solid biofuels
The pellet market And other solid biofuels have proven resilient in the face of the economic and logistical disruptions that the European continent has experienced. Spain has maintained its production and supply capacity of pellets, which remain an efficient and economical alternative and are well-regarded by domestic heating users.
In total, as of September of this year, we had 63 operational pellet plants; 39 of these manufacture ENplus® certified pellets, representing 881% of total production in Spain. There are 64 wood chip production centers; 20 of them are certified for sustainability through SURE, ensuring compliance with the requirements of the European REDII/III Directive. And 30 olive pit factories for energy use; eight certify the quality of their product with BIOmasud® and five have relied on SURE for sustainability certification.
In July of this year, the VAT on biofuels returned to 21%, but AVEBIOM, along with other entities in the sector, has defended the reduction of VAT to 10% for pellets, firewood and other local biomasses. This action would facilitate access to clean energy and reduce the dependence of many citizens on fossil fuels. We have also strengthened our information campaigns about the advantages of using pellets for heating in Spanish homes, highlighting their sustainability and cost savings.
Technological solutions for net carbon elimination
In 2024, key solutions for effective carbon removal such as BECCS (Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage) and biochar have gained attention.
BECCS combines energy generation from biomass with carbon capture and storage technologies, enabling the net removal of CO2 from the atmosphere. This solution for achieving climate neutrality also offers opportunities for industrial sectors seeking to reduce their emissions. Pilot projects show promising results, with applications in biomass power plants that integrate carbon capture and geological storage.
For his part, the biochar, a byproduct of the biomass pyrolysis process is a doubly effective tool: it stores carbon stably for centuries and improves soil fertility in agricultural applications.
The approval of first European Certification Framework for Carbon Removal It will generate greater confidence in bioenergy technologies by establishing clear and verifiable criteria that guarantee the effective elimination of carbon emissions.
The year of renewable gases
The renewable gas sector also has consolidated its good form in 2024, with significant growth in biogas and biomethane projects. These technologies offer complementary solutions for the decarbonization of transport and industry, aligning with the climate neutrality goals for 2050.
In addition to the approximately 250 biogas plants in operation, biomethane production has shown a significant increase, and we already have 11 operational plants and dozens of projects in various stages of development.
This growth reflects the commitment and potential of renewable gases to contribute to the country's sustainability and energy independence.
The fourth Renewable Gas Exhibition It was, once again, the leading event for key national and international players in biogas, biomethane, and other renewable gases. There, we learned about the latest technological advancements, the details of the most innovative projects, and cutting-edge solutions ready for implementation in sectors such as agriculture, industry, and transportation.
The International Bioenergy Congress once again provided a forum for discussion on regulatory challenges, investment opportunities, and the integration of renewable gases into the national energy strategy and society. The fifth edition will take place in 2025, again in Valladolid and, once again, with the support of AEBIG.
Expobiomasa 2025: bioenergy, bioeconomy and climate solutions
On the other hand, the organization of the Expobiomasa 2025 It has already begun, reaffirming itself as the benchmark event in the bioenergy sector in the Iberian Peninsula, where companies, innovators and professionals will meet to showcase the latest technologies and advances in the sector.
We will showcase cutting-edge biomass-based domestic heating, solid biofuel production, and biomass-based heating and cooling network technologies. In addition, we will present second-generation liquid biofuel technologies and advancements in biorefining, such as renewable hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), as well as progress in biochar and bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technologies in Spain and Europe.
In short, the bioenergy sector in Spain continues to move forward, 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 more security and stability to the country's energy transition and the fight against climate change.
Thanks to the energy of the 546 members who are or have been part of the association For the past 20 years, AVEBIOM has led the sustainable development of the bioenergy sector in Spain. Initially focusing on solid biomass, it has now expanded to include areas such as renewable gases and the bioeconomy—activities that are synergistic and vital for the country's decarbonization, and which we will continue to pursue for the next 20 years and beyond.