Moeve's plan to develop 30 biomethane plants in Spain

Moeve has today presented an ambitious investment project of 600 million euros (approximately 660 million dollars) for the construction, alongside its collaborators, of approximately 30 new biomethane plants in various parts of Spain by the year 2030. Although the plan will be deployed nationwide, the regions of Andalucía, Cataluña, and Galicia stand out as having the greatest potential for the project. This initiative is part of the company's "Positive Motion" transformation strategy, aimed at promoting the circular economy and leading the shift toward cleaner energies.

The company aims to produce biomethane by utilizing agricultural and livestock waste and manage a set of projects that will generate 4 TWh (approximately 4.4 TWh) of energy by 2030. By opting for this renewable gas instead of traditional fossil fuels, Moeve will significantly reduce CO2 emissions in its energy facilities, industrial plants, and those of its clients and strategic allies. Additionally, biomethane will be crucial for the production of green hydrogen and for promoting more sustainable mobility. This effort will allow the processing of 10 million tons (approximately 11 million tons) of waste per year and prevent the emission of about 728,000 tons (approximately 802,000 tons) of CO2 annually, which is equivalent to planting 48.5 million trees.

To carry out the development of these plants, Moeve is establishing agreements with partners like Kira Ventures and PreZero and is in talks with other potential allies. Recently, the company signed a contract with InproEner for the creation of five biomethane facilities in Spain, which are expected to be operational between 2028 and 2029. Each of these plants will generate about 50 GWh (approximately 55 GWh) per year, totaling 250 GWh (approximately 275 GWh) annually.

Matteo Vaglio, Moeve's Biofuels Director, commented: “Biomethane is an essential pillar in our decarbonization strategy, as it can be immediately integrated into existing industries and transport networks, facilitating their adaptation to the current energy market. Additionally, it drives the economic and social development of rural areas. Agreements with partners, like the one we've reached with InProEner, are essential to accelerating our goals in this field.”

Biomethane, a driver of the transition to cleaner energy

The biomethane project is part of Moeve's ambitious roadmap to reduce its CO2 emissions. The company has set the goal of decreasing its direct and indirect emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels and aims to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. Additionally, in terms of the carbon intensity of its marketed energy, Moeve seeks to reduce it by between 15% and 20% by 2030.

During its life cycle, biomethane reduces CO2 emissions by more than 90% compared to conventional natural gas. This biogas is caused through a biological process of decomposition of biodegradable organic waste of agricultural, livestock, and industrial origin, known as anaerobic digestion. Then, through a purification process called “upgrading,” the biogas is converted into biomethane.

Biomethane plants not only contribute to the generation of clean energy but also promote the economic development of rural areas, especially benefiting the agricultural and livestock sectors. Additionally, they offer a sustainable solution for waste management, transforming it into renewable energy and useful by-products like fertilizers and sustainable composts, which can be reused in local agricultural lands.

The production of renewable gases aligns with the objectives of the REPowerEU initiative, which aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and CO2 emissions while supporting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established in the 2030 Agenda: SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).