The renewable energy are becoming increasingly important in international markets, achieving great results. In Spain, the biomass energy has seen remarkable growth. On 21 November 2017, European Bioenergy Day, Europe managed to meet all its energy demand using biomass. However, the case of Spain shows that there is still work to be done compared to other European countries. Here, Bioenergy Day was celebrated on 3 December, highlighting the importance of better managing and using biomass to advance energy self-sufficiency.
According to Spanish Association for Biomass Energy Recovery (Avebiom)Spain has the potential to further exploit residual biomass to supply itself with renewable energy. This raises a key question: Is it possible for Spain to cover its entire energy demand with biomass alone?
Efficient use of biomass
The use of biomass as an energy source has increased considerably in Spain, especially agricultural biomass, which is presented as a local energy resource available throughout the year. This type of biomass has a lower economic cost than that originating from forests, which makes it an attractive option. Increasing awareness and information on the use of agricultural biomass can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which increase CO2 emissions and are more polluting.
One of the main advantages of biomass compared to other renewable energy sources is its ease of installation and economic viability. There are efficient technologies that allow generating enough energy to cover various needs. Among the most successful sources of agricultural biomass is that of Vineyards. The project LIFE ViñasxHeat has shown that vineyard pruning can be used as an energy resource, reducing the consumption of fossil fuels in regions such as Penedés, in Barcelona.
According to projects like AgroBioHeatSpain could celebrate its Bioenergy Day earlier if it improved the management of its agricultural and forestry biomass. The aim is to achieve energy self-sufficiency earlier, moving closer to countries such as France, where Bioenergy Day is celebrated on 25 November. The earlier it is celebrated, the more potential Spain has to rely on renewable energy from biomass for the rest of the year.
Objective to bring forward the day of celebration
In order to advance the date of Bioenergy Day, it is necessary to improve the use of bioenergy agricultural residuals such as stubble and pruning remains, as well as other sources such as forest residues. According to Avebiom, if the waste were better managed forest fires, pruning of olive trees, fruit trees and vine shoots, Spain could significantly reduce its consumption of fossil fuels.
The fact that Spain can be energy self-sufficient during 28 days This means that it is possible to reduce dependence on oil and gas imports. In the long term, this type of renewable energy could supply a large part of the country, however, greater investment in infrastructure and incentive policies are needed to optimize this resource.
Potential of agrobiomass in Spain
In 2022, biomass management accounted for more than 0,3% of Spanish GDP, generating 50.000 direct and indirect jobs and generating more than 4.500 billion euros. A crucial area where biomass stands out is in thermal generation. In fact, it represents between XNUMX and XNUMX billion euros. 70% and 80% of thermal energy in Spain, especially in industrial and domestic sectors. This high dependence on biomass for heating is a clear opportunity for growth that could help to get ahead of the European Bioenergy Day.
In addition, the production of biomethane from livestock and agricultural waste is gaining ground. Spain already has several operational biomethane plants, and this renewable gas is injected into the grid for consumption in homes and industries. This is another example of Spain's potential for energy self-sufficiency using local biomass sources.
Dependence on raw materials from abroad
Not all biomass used in Spain comes from the country. For example, biofuels and pellets used in some power plants are imported, mainly from Portugal. However, the materials for the domestic biomass boilers and for most industrial uses they are obtained mainly from own biomass, such as pruning remains and the treatment of agricultural and forestry waste.
In Spain, most of the biomass, around 70%, is used for residential heating, with a smaller percentage dedicated to electricity generation. This percentage could increase if available resources, such as forestry and agricultural waste, were better managed. In addition, we must consider the adverse effects of importing biomass from abroad, since it contradicts the sustainability objectives sought with this energy transition.
Biomass and technological advances
Technological advances have allowed for better use of biomass, highlighting the production of biomethane and liquid renewable fuels, important for sectors such as transport. Companies such as Repsol have already begun production of 100% renewable fuels, using waste materials such as cooking oil and industrial fats. As these technologies develop, biomass could be key to producing sustainable fuels on a large scale.
At the forest level, biomass also plays an important role in the fire prevention. The efficient use of forest residues for energy generation contributes to sustainable forest management, reducing the risk of fires and helping to preserve ecosystems.
Biomass is an essential resource for the energy transition in Spain. Its correct use would not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but would also boost the economic development of rural areas, offering them a clean and renewable solution. As policies and technologies continue to develop, biomass could play a fundamental role in the country's energy self-sufficiency.