Biomethane is establishing itself as one of the most promising renewable energy alternatives in Spain. With a growing demand for solutions that promote decarbonization and greater energy independence, both public administrations and major companies in the sector have decided to invest in this renewable gas, obtained from organic and agricultural waste. The interest in these types of projects is reflected in the progress of numerous initiatives, multimillion-euro investments, and a strong focus on sustainability and local development.
Spain currently has sufficient potential to host more than 2.300 specialized biomethane plants , which would place it among the top three European countries with the greatest capacity for this renewable gas. The development of these facilities would entail an investment of over €40.000 billion and could cover up to 45% of the national demand for natural gas, generating significant savings for consumers and reducing energy imports, according to data from the gas industry association Sedigás.
Flagship projects and territorial expansion
In this context of sustained growth, initiatives such as Verdalia's biomethane project in Toledo stand out , marking a significant milestone for the national industry. This plant, acquired by Verdalia from Enerfree, will have an annual capacity of 90 GWh , enough to cover the gas consumption of approximately 11.000 homes . It will utilize more than 150.000 tons of agricultural and livestock waste annually, promoting the circular economy and helping to prevent the emission of approximately 48.000 tons of greenhouse gases each year.
Construction of the Toledo plant will begin in the third quarter of the year, and it is expected to start supplying biomethane to the grid shortly thereafter. The infrastructure already has all the necessary permits and licenses, and Verdalia has signed a biomethane sales agreement with a European company for the next ten years, thus ensuring the project's economic viability.
This isn't Verdalia's only notable move in the sector: the company, backed by funds such as Goldman Sachs Alternatives, already manages seven operating facilities and six more under development in Italy, in addition to having more than 25 projects in various phases in Spain alone. This expansion strategy positions the company as a leading European player, focusing on regional integration and the use of its own technology to optimize production and the use of byproducts such as locally sourced biofertilizers.
Other significant examples are located in regions like Murcia, where Enagás Renovable is progressing with the commissioning of three plants: Las Torres de Cotillas, San Javier, and Santomera . The Las Torres facility alone is expected to process approximately 150.000 tons of agricultural and livestock waste annually, with an estimated production capacity of 70 GWh per year. The total investment for these projects will exceed €90 million, with operations expected to begin between 2027 and 2028.
Environmental and social impact: challenges and opportunities
The benefits of biomethane extend beyond the energy sector. The valorization of organic waste contributes to the efficient management of agricultural and livestock byproducts, reduces uncontrolled dumping, and improves soil fertility through the production of biofertilizers . Furthermore, replacing fossil natural gas with biomethane facilitates the reduction of polluting emissions and progress toward a cleaner industry.
The development of these projects also implies a significant socioeconomic impact on the rural environment , fostering the creation of direct and indirect employment during the construction and operation phases of the plants. For example, the Las Torres de Cotillas plant will generate 120 temporary jobs and 25 direct jobs, in addition to benefiting various auxiliary sectors such as transportation and facility maintenance.
This push towards new biomethane infrastructure also requires adequate public participation. The public consultation being conducted by the Las Torres de Cotillas City Council regarding the installation of one of these plants highlights the importance of ensuring transparency and collaboration in decision-making. Active citizen participation is fundamental to achieving socially acceptable and sustainable development, guaranteeing accurate information and a process that addresses residents' concerns.
The project's developers have emphasized compliance with strict environmental controls, the installation of biofiltration systems to control odors, and the plant's strategic location five kilometers from the city center, facilitating logistical access and minimizing disruption to the population.
Industry experts agree that the proximity of raw materials and adaptation to the characteristics of the environment are key factors for the success of these facilities; priority is given to collecting waste within a radius of no more than 10-40 kilometers, which reinforces the circular economy and the sustainability of the model.
