Repsol enters the biomethane market with an agreement to take a 40% stake in Genia Bioenergy. This alliance allows the energy company to position itself early in this sector.
Biomethane is considered strategic by the European Union - which has set the ambition to multiply its production by eight in 2030 compared to that registered in 2022 - in its RePower EU Plan program. The Spanish Gas Association (Sedigas) estimates that biomethane can represent almost half of Spain's natural gas consumption.
The agreement between Repsol and Genia Bioenergy includes 19 of their biomethane plants, which are in a state of development. Additionally, there are 11 other plant projects in an early phase of development. Repsol will purchase all of the gas produced by these projects, which will also form a unique platform to create agro-industrial ecosystems capable of boosting local economies and offering solutions for the recovery of their waste.
Genia Bioenergy integrates the entire biogas and biomethane value chain, including the development of technologies and solutions and the engineering, construction and biological technical operation of the projects. It applies technologies and innovation to create new recovery models that allow the integration of all actors in the production and waste management chain to obtain renewable gases and long-term resources.
Biomethane is a renewable alternative to natural gas that originates from organic matter, such as agricultural and livestock waste. In addition to its use as a substitute for conventional gas, it has other industrial applications, such as the production of renewable fuels and green hydrogen or the manufacture of chemical products, with an associated reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG).
Emerging sector
The biomethane industry, emerging in Spain and Portugal, contributes to solving the problem that organic waste currently represents for Administrations, since it uses waste that would otherwise generate emissions into the atmosphere when degrading in landfills. Likewise, it represents an opportunity to generate economic activity in the rural environment.
Repsol's 2024-2027 strategy, which includes the transformation of its industrial complexes into multi-energy hubs capable of manufacturing products with a low carbon footprint. This strategy includes significant milestones such as the start-up in Cartagena of the first plant on the Iberian Peninsula dedicated exclusively to the production of renewable fuels, with a capacity of 250.000 tons per year. This facility will be joined in Puertollano by a similar one that, when it comes into operation in 2025, will produce 200.000 tons per year.
Genia bioenergy participate in the 4th Renewable Gas Hall
SOURCE: https://www.expansion.com/economia sostenible/2024/04/10/66165fd3468aebf1238b4580.html
