The Region of Murcia has an outstanding biomethane production potential, of up to 3,47 TWh, which would significantly reduce dependence on imported natural gas, while actively contributing to decarbonizing its economy.
The agri-food sector, including livestock, generates 20% of the GDP of the Region of Murcia. With 10 million heads (including poultry, pigs, sheep, goats and cattle) and 3.300 farms, Murcian livestock also contributes 27% of the final agricultural production of the Region, which makes it one of the basic pillars of its economy. An exceptional context for the development of the biomethane sector as clean and sustainable energy.
Luis Puchades, CEO of BIOVIC, the leading Spanish company in engineering, execution and start-up of biomethane and biogas plants, has participated in a conference under the title 'Biomethane in the Region of Murcia', where he highlighted the great potential that biomethane has in the region, and especially for its agri-food industry. “The possibility of better managing waste and obtaining value through renewable gas, fertilizers or biogenic CO2 means that this type of technology will be a fundamental development lever for the region and its livestock and agri-food industry,” he said. indicated the manager. In turn, the transport industry can benefit thanks to the possible transformation of biomethane to bioCNG and bioLNG, essential for sustainable heavy transport.
The Spanish consulting firm Biovic is one of the companies promoting this technology in the region and is behind some of the most cutting-edge biogas and biomethane projects, such as the Estrella de Levante plant, Kernel Export, and the biomethane plant in Lorca developed in collaboration with Galivi Ecoenergía that will contribute up to 30 GWh of biomethane per year to the Redexis gas network, which has actively participated in the development. This installation is a clear example of the energy consultancy's focus on the circular economy and the sustainable management of organic waste.
Challenges and opportunities that biomethane offers to the Region of Murcia
According to a study carried out by Sedigas, in collaboration with BIOVIC and PwC, the Region of Murcia has a biomethane production potential of 3,47 TWh, which represents 2,1% of the national total, and, if efforts are channeled into its boost, this would result in a significant reduction in dependence on imported natural gas, while helping to decarbonize its economy.
The report also indicates that to achieve this there would be room for the start-up of a total of 40 plants, distributed in different types: Agroindustrial, WWTP (Wastewater Treatment Plants), MSW (Urban Solid Waste), intermediate crops and forest biomass. residual. Likewise, it is estimated that the development of these plants in Murcia would generate approximately 356 direct jobs and 580 indirect jobs, related to the operation and maintenance of the plants.
In the opinion of Luis Puchades, “the region is in a position to capitalize on its potential for the generation of biomethane. With a predominant production of slurry in the livestock sector, Murcia stands as a key territory for the development of this renewable energy.” Puchades has also highlighted the importance of integrating biomethane into the circular economy and its positive impact on reducing the carbon footprint, aligning with the UN sustainable development goals and the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023. -2027.
