The industrial landscape in rural Galicia is undergoing a significant transformation thanks to a commitment to genuine sustainability. Just a few days ago, progress was announced on a project that promises to be a game-changer for the region: the new unit of biogenic CO2 capture at the Bioetanol Galicia facilities, located in the municipality of Curtis in A Coruña. During an official visit led by the President of the Xunta, Alfonso Rueda, it became clear that the intention is not to miss any opportunity to ensure that wealth remains local, especially when it comes to projects that directly address the future energy needs of Europe.
This new infrastructure, which is already taking shape, has the main objective of capturing the carbon dioxide that is naturally released during the fermentation of grains, primarily corn, and converting it into a usable resource instead of a waste product. The idea is that everything will be ready and operational by spring 2027This marks a turning point in how we understand biofuel production in Spain. With this move, the plant not only produces clean energy, but also ingeniously closes the loop on the use of renewable raw materials.
Million-dollar investment for unprecedented capture capacity
If we're talking numbers, this is no small matter. Vertex Bioenergy, the parent company behind the Curtis plant, has put on the table a investment of more than 15 million euros dedicated exclusively to this capture system. But the plan doesn't end there, as the company has its sights set on a much more ambitious horizon. According to its executives, the intention is to invest more than 60 million euros in Galicia over the next few years, including not only gas capture, but also a biogas plant and a state-of-the-art biomass boiler.
Regarding operational capacity, it is estimated that the facilities will be able to recover up to 150.000 tons of CO2 per yearUnlike in other parts of Spain, such as Cartagena or Salamanca, where the group already outsources this process, in Curtis it will be managed directly. This represents a significant qualitative leap, as it allows the company to control the entire cycle and market this raw material directly, promoting the competitiveness of the plant and ensuring that the benefits have a more direct impact on the local environment.
Biogenic CO2 is not just any gas; it's a product with growing demand in a wide variety of sectors. From its use in the food industry for carbonated beverages to applications in medical therapies and industrial refrigerationIts versatility is enormous. Furthermore, it is fundamental for manufacturing non-biological renewable fuels, key components for maritime transport to reduce its dependence on petroleum products. Ultimately, what is being done in Curtis is manufacturing pieces of a puzzle that Europe needs to complete as soon as possible to meet its climate goals.
The regional government has emphasized that these types of projects are the ones that truly help retain population and generate wealth. The key lies in... analyze the proposals objectively and a strong environmental commitment, but without creating obstacles that would ultimately discourage investors. Curtis has become an example of how rural areas can attract cutting-edge technology if there is stability and a clear vision of where the global market is headed, which increasingly demands cleaner products with a smaller carbon footprint.
Production records and local talent development
Beyond future projects, the current reality of the plant is one of constant growth. The past fiscal year 2025 closed with breathtaking figures, reaching a record production of 191 million liters of bioethanol. But the activity doesn't stop at fuel; Curtis also produces thousands of tons of plant protein for animal feed, known as Vertifeed, and corn oil. These products are vital for the Galician livestock sector, as they help to reduce dependence on imported soybeansgiving local producers a break from the ups and downs of the international market.
For this whole system to work, you need skilled people, and that's where training comes in. The plant is collaborating closely with the CIFP Politécnico de Santiago to develop a Dual vocational training cycle in a chemical plantThis allows local young people to learn the trade on the job and have a clear career path in a constantly growing industry. It's a way of retaining talent in Galicia and ensure that new investments have qualified technical profiles that know the company from the inside out.
The move towards a fully circular economy in the Curtis region is being consolidated with these initiatives that transform what was previously lost to the atmosphere into a high-value resource. The combination of a efficient industrial production and decarbonization The processes used position these facilities as a benchmark in the biorefinery sector in Europe. Ultimately, what's being developed in Curtis is a model where industry and respect for the environment go hand in hand to ensure long-term economic and environmental viability in Galicia.
