Biogas is the only renewable energy source that can be used for any of the large energy applications: electrical, thermal or as a fuel, according to the Institute for Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE). Promotion of biogas as a source of energy to be used in transportation is one of the priorities of the Biogas Roadmap, recently passed in Spain for its application.

This initiative aims to quadruple the amount of produced renewable gas in 2030, starting with the recovery of agricultural, agro-industrial, municipal waste and sewage sludge, until reaching 10.41 TWh. Currently, there are 146 biogas facilities in Spain with an energy production of 2.74 TWh.

LIFE ECODIEGESTION 2.0 emerges as a key tool in order to achieve this objective, as our project seeks to scale up the technology needed to produce on-demand biogas with WWTP sludge, making use of agri-food waste and slurry as a co-substrate. In this way, we collaborate from a double perspective; by coming up with a solution related to both agri-food waste and the restaurant business, in addition to generating green energy, one of the priorities showcased in the REPowerEU plan.

This Roadmap proposes to prioritize the use of biogas in heavy transport. Specifically, to promote the use of biogas or biomethane in municipal fleets and those means available for production and public transportation, such as buses or garbage trucks, as well as for the traction of rail freight services on unelectrified railways.

Besides, it is intended to advance in a joint objective for biogas and biofuels to reach a minimal 3.5% in the contribution to the transportation industry in 2030, which is therefore included within the renewable energy general objective for transportation, set at a 14% for that date.

In order to meet these objectives, The implementation of projects such as LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 is required at all different levels. One of our goals consists of an increase of up to 14% in biogas production, using the same amount of co-substrate added by means of the most favorable dosage of residues and mixtures, thus maintaining the stability of the system and increasing production capacity.

According to official data issued by the Spanish government, biogas has been going through a rather modest increase in its development in Spain, compared to the rest of European countries, wherein there are about 19,000 facilities in which 725 of them inject biomethane into the gas network. However, the country conceals a great potential and is backed up by relevant industries in the agricultural, agri-food and waste management fields, which can quickly trigger the market.

At this project, we are committed to green energy and the energy transition. Biogas, in addition to being renewable, adds value to the waste that is generated daily in cities and the countryside. Therefore, it is a tool capable of promoting the fuels of the future, in an innovative way and in support of the protection of the environment.