The National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) is preparing the management procedure to connect biomethane generation plants with the natural gas transportation or distribution network. An initiative that arises in the context of the European decarbonization strategy and the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, especially Russian natural gas.
The proposal is based on the urgency of promoting the sustainable production of biomethane as an essential part of the transition towards cleaner and more resilient energy. The Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR) of Spain has been taken into account, which includes measures to promote the development of biogas and biomethane, as well as the objectives of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), which include doubling biogas production by 2030.
CNMC procedure proposal
The proposed procedure aims to standardize and streamline the connections of biomethane plants with the natural gas network, guaranteeing transparency, non-discrimination and free competition.
Deadlines, technical conditions and economic criteria are established for the management of connection requests. In addition, the importance of the proximity between biomethane production and waste is emphasized, as well as the need to systematize the relationships between producers and network operators.
The proposal has gone through a public consultation process, which concludes on February 9, and has been subjected to technical analysis, considering previous experiences and the current needs of the sector. This resolution is expected to contribute significantly to the development of biomethane in Spain and the fulfillment of decarbonization and energy transition objectives.
Source: https://www.cnmc.es/consultas-publicas/energia/gestion-conexiones-plantas-biometano
