In recent months, the debate on the biogas plants has intensified in several Spanish regions, highlighting both the environmental potential of this technology as the social and neighborhood concerns that their expansion entails. These projects, which seek to transform organic waste into renewable energy and fertilizers, have become the center of controversy, demonstrations, and even crises in municipal governments.
The biogas sector is making strong progress, driven in part by European funds and decarbonization policies. However, not everyone agrees on the benefits and implementation methods of these projects, and questions have arisen about the potential for these projects to be implemented. citizen mobilizations and political debates who demand greater transparency, participation and a rethinking of some business models.
Growth of biogas plants and social reactions in Spain
Several localities have recently experienced protests against new biogas plants, among which the mobilizations of Colmenar Viejo and Tres Cantos in the face of a large-scale project promoted by Enagás and PreZero. Under the motto "Not too big, not too close", neighborhood associations and platforms such as STOP Colmenar Viejo-Tres Cantos Biogas Plant They have organized marches and presented legal alternatives to stop the declaration of social interest and the construction of the plant.
The main concerns center on the proximity of the facility to residential areas and educational centers - some homes are only 300 meters-, he potential impact of polluting emissions and odors, and the scarce information provided during the processing process. Residents complain that the recommended distances have not been respected and that the entire process was carried out with little transparency, which has generated deep distrust towards the promoters and municipal authorities.
In the north, in places like La Rioja, allegations have also been presented by entities such as the Regulatory Council of the DOCa Rioja, concerned about the landscape and environmental impact of up to five plants under study, often close to vineyard areas.
In the province of Segovia, United Left denounces a speculative expansion of biogas projects that, according to their critics, respond more to the interests of large companies and investment funds than to rural sustainability, also pointing out risks due to truck traffic, waste management, and the possible contribution to depopulation.
Political conflicts and institutional crises over biogas
The growth of this sector has triggered situations of high political and even institutional tension, as has occurred in the municipality of Azlor (Huesca), where the project for a new biogas plant has caused chain of resignations within the city councilThe main reason: neighborhood discontent and the perception of opaque or rushed processing.
The mayor has acknowledged that the climate of mistrust created is preventing the continuation of municipal management as it has been doing and attributes the crisis to differences over the appropriateness and method of implementing the plant.
In the case of Colmenar Viejo, the recent approval of a motion to reconsider the declaration of public utility It has been a moral victory for the neighborhood platform, although the final decision will depend on an extraordinary plenary session and the legal proceedings already open. The mayor and the local government insist that the steps taken are legally supported and that the plant is key to the energy transition in the region.
In Galicia, the parliamentary debate on the regulation of biogas and biomethane plants has been intense, with citizen protests in front of Parliament and divergent positions between parties on the need to make the expansion of the sector compatible with a rigorous territorial planning and adapted to local reality.
Environmental and economic advantages of biogas
Beyond the social conflict, biogas advocates emphasize their environmental and economic benefitsThe plants transform organic waste into biomethane, which can fuel homes and industries, as well as generate organic fertilizers for agriculture, contributing to the circular economy. These facilities, according to the developers, allow savings in waste management and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
In projects such as Colmenar Viejo, the production of up to 60 GWh of renewable energy per year, enough to supply the needs of tens of thousands of people and avoid the emission of thousands of tons of CO2 every year. In addition, the plant includes advanced biofiltration systems and sensors to minimize unpleasant odors and monitor environmental quality in real time, following standards already applied in Northern Europe.
The sector also highlights the direct job creation during the construction and operation of the plants, as well as the investment mobilization, many of them backed by European funds such as Next Generation.
The European vision: biogas as a strategic resource
At European level, platforms such as European Biogas Association (EBA) and the European Composting Network claim that the biogas and biowaste treatment be formally recognized as strategic axes in the next EU Bioeconomy Strategy.
The goal is to accelerate waste collection and processing to reduce landfills, increase renewable energy production, and create more sustainable fertilizers.
Among its proposals, the following stand out:
- Promote the separate collection of biowaste and its priority use for biogas and organic fertilizer production.
- Facilitate access to the market biomethane and organic fertilizers.
- Mobilize more European investments for biogas infrastructures.
- Eliminate regulatory barriers and promote the exchange of good practices between countries.
Figures of the Spanish Biogas Association They show that, although Spain has great potential, there are currently only 12 production plants, far from the more than 250 in Germany. It is estimated that the massive development of these facilities could help cover up to 10% of national gas demand and avoid the use of much more polluting fossil fuels.
The debate surrounding biogas highlights the need to find the balance between energy, environmental and social objectivesAlthough these plants can provide solutions to waste management and the ecological transition, the projects require greater transparency, local consensus, and adaptation to the characteristics of each region so that sustainability is not perceived merely as a slogan, but as a shared reality.
