Biomethane, the key to a more sustainable future

In the face of the climate emergency, the global energy crisis, and the need to move toward a greener and more autonomous economy, renewable energies have become a strategic priority. In this context, biomethane, a carbon-neutral energy source, is presented as an immediate and effective solution to address the challenges of organic waste. It has similar qualities to natural gas and can facilitate an efficient and affordable energy transition. Naturgy is strongly committed to biomethane as a key element in decarbonizing the economy and accelerating a new, more sustainable and carbon-independent energy model. Biomethane, specifically, is produced from the treatment of urban, agricultural, livestock, and agri-food waste, as well as wastewater. This circular energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels, takes advantage of existing infrastructure, and

Naturgy's firm commitment to biomethane

In this area, Naturgy is positioning itself as a leader by promoting both the production and distribution of biomethane in the short term, establishing a defined strategy to develop green hydrogen in the medium term. The objective is clear: to advance the decarbonization of all sectors of the economy and take advantage of the industrial, environmental, and social opportunities offered by renewable gases.

Naturgy has been a pioneer in injecting biomethane into Spain's gas distribution network, thus contributing to the development of this gas. The energy company currently has three of its own production plants—one in Galicia and two in Catalonia—that already inject this renewable gas, and is developing two new facilities in Valencia and Seville.

Partnerships for a more sustainable future

The company's development and growth model is based on multi-sector collaboration and strategic alliances. One of the most notable is with Hispana Silva, with whom Naturgy plans to build between 20 and 30 biomethane production plants by 2030, which will generate 2.5 TWh annually, equivalent to the consumption of 500,000 homes. This alliance will prevent the emission of 450,000 tons of CO₂—the equivalent of planting 49 million pine trees—and thus contribute to the decarbonization of our economy.

In addition, the company has signed an agreement with Bioeco Energías that provides for new facilities with a combined capacity to produce more than 500 GWh annually, and has completed a project with ID Energy Group to develop 20 plants with an annual production of 1,600 GWh. In total, the capacity boosted through the Hispania Silva and Bioeco Energías agreements reaches 3 TWh, enough to supply 600,000 homes. Thus, the alliances provide a sustainable local waste management solution that contributes to the circular economy and returns organic fertilizers and non-polluting irrigation water to the countryside.

Naturgy is also promoting the decarbonization of the industrial sector. It recently signed an agreement with AENA to supply 83 GWh of natural gas, of which at least 20 GWh will be biomethane, thus contributing to reducing emissions at airports. It also has agreements with the paper mill Lecta and Inditex. The latter covers 75% of the natural gas consumption at the Arteixo and Laracha facilities.

The key role of biomethane in homes

According to a study commissioned by Nedgia, the gas distributor of the Naturgy group, 72% of respondents believe that renewable gas suits their needs, and 65% see it as a differentiating alternative to other renewable energies, as it is a continuous rather than seasonal energy source. Current boilers, for example, can operate 100% on biomethane without any investment, making it the most economical and immediate option for decarbonizing buildings.

With just 30% of Spain's biomethane production potential, the entire country's housing stock could be decarbonized without any investment on the part of owners, as biomethane can circulate through the existing natural gas network.

Challenges in promoting renewable gas

Spain is the European country with the third greatest biomethane production potential: 163 TWh per year, according to the study conducted by SEDIGAS. This would cover 40% of the current demand for natural gas, reduce 8.3 million tons of methane, and generate savings of €4 billion in energy imports.

Overall, the development of this energy source in Spain would diversify energy sources and increase energy autonomy. Furthermore, biomethane, being a clean and indigenous energy source, facilitates greater energy independence and contributes to the just transition, while promoting the circular economy and reducing waste management problems.