Biomass is one of the renewable energy sources with the greatest potential in Spain, given our abundant agricultural and forestry resources for its generation. However, despite its potential, we are still far from optimally harnessing this energy source. This is due, in part, to a lack of infrastructure and greater awareness, although the trend is improving year after year.
Spain possesses a significant biomass resource, and its development has been remarkable over the last two decades. Fortunately, biomass is becoming increasingly integrated into our energy sources and has a very promising future . In fact, studies such as those carried out by the AVEBIOM Biomass Observatory underscore this upward trend. Below, we will analyze the current situation and the evolution of this sector.
What is biomass and how is it used?
Biomass is organic matter used to generate renewable energy through combustion. It is a sustainable method, as it is based on the remains of living organisms or industrial waste, such as leaves, wood, or other refuse. These materials can be used to produce electricity or heat for both domestic and industrial applications.
Biomass-derived products, known as biofuels, can be:
- solids: Used in thermal and electrical processes, such as wood pellets.
- Liquids: Biofuels used in transportation, such as biodiesel.
Thanks to these, we can generate electricity in heat generation plants or use biomass as fuel in vehicles. In addition, it can be used in industrial applications, improving energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint.
Evolution of biomass in Spain
Over the last 20 years, biomass has increased its presence in Spain's energy grid. According to AVEBIOM data, the increase in installations, power and energy generated has been considerable. Part of this expansion is due to incentive programs for renewable energies and the efforts of the industrial sector to adapt to clean energy sources. Below, we analyze the evolution of the three key factors in the sector.
Evolution of the number of installations
Since 2008, the number of biomass installations has grown rapidly, from less than 10,000 installations to more than 160,000 in 2015. This 25% annual increase, according to the Biomass Observatory, reflects the interest in this type of renewable technology as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. In 2015, Spain had 160,036 biomass installations, which implies a 25% growth compared to the previous year. This positive trend shows how biomass is positioning itself as a solid option within the Spanish energy mix.
Evolution of installed power (kW)
In 2015, the total installed biomass capacity stood at 7,276,992 kW, which represented an increase of 21.7% compared to 2014, which was approximately 6 million kW. Biomass has proven to be an energy with great growth potential in terms of installed capacity. From 2008 to 2015, the installed capacity grew by an impressive 381%, which translates into an exponential increase in the capacity for energy generation through this means.
Evolution of energy generated (GWh)
In terms of energy generated, Spain reached 12,570 GWh in 2015, 20.24% more than in 2014. This increase is directly related to the increase in the number of installations and the installed capacity. Likewise, it represents a growth of 318% in just 8 years, which highlights the importance of biomass in energy production in our country. These advances allow us to foresee a future in which biomass continues to consolidate itself as a key source within the national energy system.
Biomass boilers
Biomass boilers are one of the key devices in this type of energy. They use natural fuels such as wood pellets, olive pits, and nut shells, among others. They are especially useful for generating heat in homes and buildings and can also heat water. According to energy experts, biomass boilers are gradually replacing traditional heating systems that rely on fossil fuels because they are a cleaner and more economical alternative in the long run.
Every year, more people and companies are adopting this type of infrastructure, renewing their heating systems and contributing to the reduction of polluting emissions.
The future of energy in Spain, and in particular that of biomass, seems increasingly favourable. With the trend towards renewable energies on the rise, biomass continues to gain ground and its share in the national energy mix is ​​expected to continue to grow at a sustained rate. If incentive policies are maintained and investment in infrastructure is reinforced, Spain could become one of the European leaders in the production of energy from biomass.