After the urban planning process is completed, the high-performance Cobirgy biogas plant in La Sentiu de Sió (Lleida) takes a decisive step towards its implementation. Driven by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and Connect Bioenergy, the initiative already has the final approval of the PEUA and the relevant territorial authorization, with the start of works set for 2026.
The project will transform a significant volume of organic livestock and industrial waste into biomethane production for injection into the grid, with an estimated capacity of 200 GWh per year. A treatment close to 500.000 tons per year, positioning Cobirgy as one of the most important biomethane production facilities in Catalonia.
Processing and schedule of works
The company has received the final approval to the Special Autonomous Urban Plan and the authorization of the Lleida Territorial Urbanism Commission, communicated by the Territory Commission of Catalonia el July 22th. In addition, it already has the Provisional Environmental AuthorizationThe plan calls for construction to begin in 2026, with an estimated term of two years.
In parallel, the Catalan Government has highlighted the initiative as a project of strategic importance for its contribution to the circular economy and sustainable land management.
In labor matters, up to 100 jobs during the construction phase y 40 permanent positions in operation, adding direct and indirect employment.
Capacity, raw materials and production
The plant will process approximately 500.000 annual tons de local green raw materials: Pig slurry, cattle and calf manure, chicken manure, slaughterhouse by-products and other organic waste non-hazardous industrial.
The result will be biomethane for injection into the existing natural gas network, with an expected production of about 200 GWh per year, equivalent to the consumption of approximately 23.000 homes.
It is estimated that this operation will prevent between 76.000 and 80.000 tons of CO2 annual, replacing fossil fuels and improving the management of livestock waste.
Circular economy and digestate valorization
The design includes an advanced line of digestate treatment that eliminates pathogens and separates one solid fraction rich in organic matter of high agricultural value.
The liquid fraction will be transformed into concentrated fertilizers destined for the local market or for export, closing the nutrient cycle and helping to reduce the presence of nitrates in soils and waters.
The facility will also capture Biogenic CO2 for industrial uses and potential integration into projects Power-to-X.
Involvement of the territory and supply chain
The project has the support of more than 300 ranchers from the regions of La Noguera, Pla d'Urgell and Urgell, which guarantee more than 400.000 tonnes of annual droppings for recovery.
El 80% of the supplier farms is within a radius of 15 kilometers, which reduces travel and reinforces a efficient logistics.
The promoters have advanced social return measures, including a sport's zone in La Sentiu de Sió, a municipal impulse plan in Belcaire y scholarships for studies in Balaguer.
Operation, transportation and odor control
The transportation of raw materials and generated products, such as fiber, solid digestate and fertilizers, will be carried out by covered vehicles or closed to prevent exposure of odorous materials to the air during transport.
In addition, the plant will incorporate a system of odor management that will comply with the industry standards, minimizing possible disturbances to the environment.
Promoters and business context
The initiative is promoted by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), one of the main fund managers specializing in renewable energy, together with the local developer Connect Bioenergy.
From its office in Madrid, CIP promotes various strategic projects in Spain, such as wind farms in Aragon and the development of green hydrogen Catalina PtX in Teruel.
With the urban planning permits in order and the environmental procedures in progress, Cobirgy is emerging as an important piece in the Catalan bioenergy: a plant that transforms local waste into renewable gas, generates quality employment, and contributes to the circular economy in an area with a high livestock population.
