Biomethane is positioned as key in decarbonization and rural economy in Galicia.

Biomethane is positioning itself as one of the most promising renewable energies to tackle the challenge of decarbonization in Europe. This renewable gas, produced from the transformation of biological waste, sewage sludge, and organic waste, presents itself as an effective and cost-efficient solution in the search for alternatives to fossil fuels. During the forum "Biomethane, a Strategic Vector in the Energy Transition," held in Santiago de Compostela, industry leaders highlighted its potential to boost not only the rural economy but also to contribute to the climate neutrality goal pursued by the European Union for 2050. Raúl Suárez, CEO of Nedgia, emphasized that Spain consumes 380 terawatt-hours of gas annually and produces less than half of the electricity it consumes. This underscores the difficulties the country faces in decarbonizing its economy. Suárez argued that biomethane could be a more affordable and quicker alternative to implement, highlighting that it could save citizens 76 billion euros compared to electrification costs. With 12 plants in operation and a production potential of 160 terawatt-hours per year, Spain must accelerate its development in this field if it does not want to fall behind other European countries. Despite its potential, biomethane production in Galicia, which has a capacity of 22 million cubic meters of slurry annually, faces several challenges. At a roundtable discussing the economic, technical, and regulatory challenges of biomethane in the region, the lack of a stable and coherent regulatory framework was identified as one of the main obstacles. Javier Domínguez, director of the Energy Institute of Galicia, emphasized the need for a clear plan that encompasses all aspects, from production to marketing of biomethane. In addition to regulatory barriers, companies are also affected by prolonged project processing times. Esther Martínez, director of Energy Consulting at PwC, reported that bureaucracy can take up to three years to allow a biomethane project to start injecting gas into the grid, significantly delaying industry decarbonization plans. This situation highlights the urgent need to simplify procedures so that the energy transition does not become a burden for companies. Joan Batalla, president of Sedigas, added that it is critical not to dismiss other decarbonization levers, as 70% of energy demand cannot be met solely through electrification. In this context, biomethane emerges as a circular solution that also helps manage the waste problem, offering both environmental and economic benefits. However, social acceptance also plays a fundamental role. Batalla acknowledged that for biomethane projects to be successful, they must be well-executed and communicated to the community. Transparency and education about the benefits of biomethane are essential to garner the necessary public support for its development. The prospects for Galicia are encouraging, with the potential to cover up to 5% of biomethane production capacity, which would require around 120 plants in the region. According to PwC estimates, this could translate into over 2 billion euros of investment and the creation of approximately 3,000 direct jobs in construction, operation, and maintenance. However, Francisco Bello, president of the Agricultural Association of Galicia, warned about the scarcity of raw materials to feed so many plants, suggesting that the use of these resources as fertilizers is limiting their availability. Oriol Sarmiento, manager of the Galicia renewable energy cluster, emphasized that biomethane not only has the potential to ensure energy sovereignty in Europe but could also stabilize energy prices, offering a competitive framework with an estimated cost of 50 to 55 euros per megawatt-hour. This competitiveness could be a significant incentive for companies seeking sustainable energy alternatives. The Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Galicia also called for action, stressing the need for a decisive push and adequate resources for the development of biomethane as a viable alternative. Its president, Juan Manuel Vieites, urged administrations to collaborate effectively and overcome the barriers that have hindered progress in this area. In summary, biomethane is shaping up to be a key component in the energy transition towards a more sustainable future in Galicia and throughout Europe. With a combination of investment, political will, and public acceptance, this renewable energy source could not only contribute to decarbonization but also revitalize the rural economy and generate jobs in a growing sector. Public-private collaboration, as mentioned at the end of the forum, will be crucial to realize this potential and ensure that the energy transition is a success.