The possible Construction of a biogas plant in the Los Camachos industrial estate has sparked public debate in Cartagena. The case, initiated by Heygaz Spain SL, continues its administrative process amid reports, allegations, and conflicting opinions from residents, the City Council, the regional government, and the business community.
On paper, the installation would deal with up to 65.000 tons per year organic waste through anaerobic digestion, in line with the regional circular economy strategy. At the same time, its urban fit, distances to inhabited areas and the possible impact on the surroundings of the Mar Menor.
Where it would be located and what it consists of
The plant is planned on a plot of land Los Camachos Norte Industrial Park, approximately 6 kilometers from the center of Cartagena and less than 5 from El Algar. Its proximity to the Mediterranean Corridor and the future ZAL, elements that determine logistics and traffic in the area.
The project includes a line of anaerobic digestion to produce biogas from organic waste and its subsequent energy recovery. This approach, according to its proponents, differs from conventional incineration in that harnessing energy potential of the waste. Hundreds of similar facilities operate in Europe and several dozen in Spain, although the case of Cartagena is subject to regional and municipal regulation.
On the socioeconomic level, the Chamber of Commerce estimates a labor impact of around 80 direct jobs and 110 additional jobs between indirect and induced, linked to construction, exploitation and auxiliary services.
Processing and legal framework
The file was submitted to public information in the BORM during the summer. Residents have criticized the schedule for making it difficult for them to participate, although groups such as Ecologists in Action submitted objections within the deadline. These contributions are part of the dossier being analyzed by the administration.
La Ministry of Environment It notes that the competent General Directorate is keeping the evaluation open and has not issued a resolution. During the process, reports from various administrations are considered, which may be favorable, unfavorable, or unfavorable and rectifiable, depending on the case.
From the Cartagena City Council it refers to the regional sector regulations: if the General Directorate of Natural Environment and Environmental Assessment determines that the project meets environmental requirements, could obtain the necessary authorization. The City Council emphasizes the plot's status as urban/industrial land and that environmental impact is the responsibility of the Autonomous Community.
In parallel, the Socialist Municipal Group, through Manuel Torres, will announce in the next Plenary Session a request for paralyze the processing of the license until the Autonomous Community approves specific regulations governing the location of these types of plants. It also maintains that the land classified as industrial logistics would not fit the proposed activity and proposes to study the urban planning incompatibility, citing precedents in other municipalities.
What neighbors and social organizations say
The Los Camachos neighborhood association and residents of nearby areas have expressed their displeasure over the lack of prior information and due to the plant's proximity to some urban areas. They argue that the recommendation to locate factories of this type more than 3.000 meters from homes would not be met in all cases, and they fear odor nuisance which could even reach the urban area.
Another focus of concern is the proximity to the Rambla de MirandaResidents warn that episodes of heavy rain could carry pollutants into the Mar Menor. They also point to the risk of leaks from slurry ponds to the aquifer if containment and control measures are not guaranteed.
In the logistical field, as there are no immediate macro-farms, it is expected that transport of slurry and by-products from other locations. Local estimates indicate the daily circulation of dozens of trucks (around 56), with the resulting impact on traffic and coexistence in the area surrounding the industrial estate.
To channel doubts, the Federation of Neighborhood Associations of Cartagena and the Region (Favcac) has convened a meeting with its associations and invited the sponsoring company. The goal is to share verified information and clarify the technical aspects of the project in a public forum.
The position of the business community
La Cartagena Chamber of Commerce supports the initiative, considering it a useful piece to modernize waste management in the Region. He recalls that the dependence on landfills reach 67% and values ​​the plant as a step towards reducing that rate in favor of options for valorization and resource recovery.
From a business perspective, the process is subject to demanding environmental standards and incorporates high-efficiency gas purification technologies. They argue that energy recovery, unlike simple incineration, takes advantage of the biogas generated and contributes to the energy transition.
In terms of development, the chamber institution estimates the potential impact in direct and indirect employment and links the project with the guidelines outlined by the Recircula Plan 2024–2035 of the Region of Murcia, which seeks to improve waste prevention and utilization.
What remains to be decided
For the plant to operate, the project must certify public interest, be located on industrial land or demonstrate urban compatibility and overcome the environmental authorization of the regional administration. These milestones, according to the parties, are crucial in determining the future of the initiative.
In the coming days, the debate will land on the Municipal plenary session with the PSOE's proposal to suspend processing until specific regional regulations are in place. In parallel, the General Directorate will continue with the environmental assessment and the Favcac plans to hold informational meetings with the class to clarify technical questions.
With the case still open, the discussion revolves around where and how implement the biogas plant in Los Camachos, the balance between opportunities (employment, waste management and renewable energy) and risks (location, distances, traffic and protection of the Mar Menor), and the decisive role that the technical and urban planning resolutions in the final decision.
