The challenge of reducing CO2 emissions in the transportation sector has led companies around the world to seek innovative and sustainable solutions. In this context, ACCIONA has stood out as a leader in the production of biomethane and in the adoption of environmental measures in its urban services and environmental operations.
Biomethane Generation:
For almost half a century, the company has been producing biogas at its wastewater treatment facilities, primarily through anaerobic digestion processes of sewage sludge. Currently, Acciona generates more than 373 GWh per year of biomethane. But their commitment doesn't stop there.
ACCIONA's Urban Services business is taking steps towards a cleaner future. It's found in the process of promoting 6 floors additional biogas for injection into the network after undergoing upgrading processes. These plants will have a combined capacity of 245 GWh per year of biomethane. It is an investment that directly aims to reduce GHGs, while promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
The BIOUP Project:
In line with its sustainable commitment and innovative spirit, ACCIONA has launched the BIOUP project. This project aims to generate biomethane by incorporating excess renewable energy into Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP).
The BIOUP project, led by ACCIONA, seeks to produce biomethane using surplus renewable energy. The initiative aims to enrich the biogas generated in the anaerobic digestion of sludge through the use of green hydrogen from renewable sources. This will allow biogas to be transformed into biomethane, a gas similar to natural gas, improving the efficiency of cogeneration systems and the possibility of injecting it into the network from water treatment plants.
This project is coordinated by ACCIONA and has strategic partners such as the University of Valladolid and CIEMAT, in addition to funding from the Ministry of Science and Innovation through NextGenerationEU funds. BIOUP technology adapts to the needs of Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) to improve their energy efficiency and has the potential to be applied in other sectors, such as the treatment of urban solid waste.
Commitment to Emissions Reduction:
The International Energy Agency reports that more than 37% of global CO2 emissions come from the transportation sector, including both the transportation of people and goods. Aware of this reality, ACCIONA has been working tirelessly to reduce its emissions in all its projects, including its urban services and environmental contracts.
Within ACCIONA's Urban Services and Environment Business Unit, the adoption of measures established by sector regulations on waste has been promoted. This includes the implementation of mechanisms for the separate collection of organic matter from different sources, both municipal and private. These processes, especially through anaerobic digestion, generate biogas, which, once enriched, becomes a renewable energy source. This contributes to the decarbonization of the energy system, from its origin to final consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
ACCIONA has also implemented an Emissions Control Center, housed in the Acciona Control Center, at its new campus in Madrid. Through this facility, the company monitors and controls in real time all aspects related to the environmental performance of its assets, especially the vehicles associated with waste collection, street cleaning and environmental care contracts. This includes fuel consumption, route optimization, driving style and vehicle maintenance.
In addition, ACCIONA has joined the SEDIGAS association (Spanish Gas Association) as a partner this September.
In summary, ACCIONA stands out as a leader in the generation of biomethane and in the implementation of sustainable measures in its urban services and environmental operations. Its commitment to emissions reduction and renewable energy innovation is an inspiring example for companies around the world seeking a cleaner, more sustainable future.
At International Congress of Bioenergy participates, in addition to being a sponsor, through its Waste Treatment Director, Daniel Serrano, providing the business vision to accelerate the start-up of renewable gas plants, from a social, environmental and geopolitical point of view.
