Today, the LIFE PROJECT project is participating, through its official project partner and technical coordinator, Genia Bioenergy, in the event organized by the Repsol Foundation: “The Role of Biomethane in Rural Development.” 🌱🚀
The event, which included strategic project partners such as Genia Bioenergy and consortium members such as the Aragon Food•Nutrition Cluster and EURECAT, focused on the strategic role that biomethane plays in rural development, particularly in the development of areas affected by demographic challenges.
Our LIFE CHANDELIER project plays a key role in promoting innovative biomethane production from livestock and agricultural waste generated in rural areas. In particular, the project addresses the case study of the Matarraña Rural Region.
It is a pleasure to share our project’s innovative approach at this benchmark event, attended by key LIFE CHANDELIER stakeholders such as politicians, companies, and renewable gas industry associations.
In particular, the event featured the participation of the Secretary General of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, the European Biogas Association (EBA), Gasnam, and Sedigas.
Within the framework of the event, participants discussed the main current barriers hindering further development of biomethane in Spain. These include political and regulatory obstacles, such as permitting procedures that can exceed three years, as well as issues related to social acceptance.
As highlighted by Ángela Sainz from the European Biogas Association (EBA), biomethane is currently the most competitive form of natural gas. She emphasized Spain’s strong potential—particularly in rural areas—for boosting biomethane development. She also underlined the value of the digestate produced in the biomethane process, which can help reduce Europe’s and especially Spain’s heavy dependence on synthetic fertilizers.
Through the intervention of Gabriel Butler, CEO of Genia Bioenergy, during the roundtable “Biomethane: A Strategic Role in the Energy Transition,” the importance of harmonizing existing regulations across Spain’s autonomous communities was stressed. He also emphasized the innovative production of biomethane from agricultural and livestock waste, as well as the value of by-products such as digestate, which improve biodiversity and soil quality. Butler highlighted the relevance of initiatives like LIFE CHANDELIER in contributing to the country’s biomethane production potential—with Spain positioned to become the third-largest producer in Europe.
Gabriel Butler also underscored the value of energy recovery from agricultural and livestock waste as a key factor in improving sustainability and the reputation of the sector. Without a doubt, the transformation of agri-food waste into renewable energy represents a strategic axis for advancing both food and energy sovereignty.
Eugenia Sillero, representing Gasnam, emphasized the importance of transposing the RED III Directive to promote the use of biomethane in the heavy transport sector, which is precisely the focus addressed by the LIFE CHANDELIER project.
The event also highlighted the need to define incentives to support the development of biomethane, as seen in other countries such as Germany, France, and Italy.
Undoubtedly, the main takeaway was the urgent need to streamline the permitting processes for biomethane projects. The significance of reverse flow mechanisms to support the economic viability of projects was also highlighted, along with the importance of innovative public procurement.
