Spain Seeks to Turn Waste Into Energy and Find Capable Professionals

Spain faces an unprecedented challenge and opportunity: converting its waste into clean energy and leveraging the rise of biogas as a driver of the energy transition. With one of the largest productions of agricultural, livestock, and industrial waste in Europe, the country has the potential to transform this environmental burden into a highly profitable renewable energy source. However, the key to boosting this emerging sector lies not only in investment but in the ability to structure efficient projects and attract specialized talent.

"The opportunity for biogas in Spain is clear: we have the waste, a well-developed distribution network, and a dynamic private sector willing to invest. However, the challenge is finding professionals capable of managing this transformation," explains Carlota Pérez Marina, Director of the Energy Division at Catenon.

Interest in biogas is growing rapidly, with the entry of major funds such as Asterion Industrial Partners, Azora Capital, Verdalia, Macquarie with Vorn, JP Morgan, and Redexis, which are already developing their own production platforms. Additionally, structured financing has taken a step forward with the first biogas Project Finance in Spain, driven by ING, confirming the sector's maturity.

A Market Driven by Regulation and International Demand
The development of biogas in Spain is also determined by the regulatory context and the demand for CO₂ certificates in Europe. While in the north of the continent strict regulations have raised the price of these certificates to 120€/MWh, in Spain similar measures have not yet been implemented, offering significant growth potential.

"Biogas not only represents a sustainable alternative to reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also a clear market opportunity. The key is to structure solid projects that take advantage of both incentives and the capacity to export renewable energy," adds Pérez Marina.

Talent, the Great Challenge of Biogas in Spain
Despite the potential of biogas, the sector's growth is encountering a barrier, the lack of specialized talent. Currently, the demand for profiles with experience in gas, waste management, and biogas far exceeds the available supply in the market.

Some of the most in-demand profiles in the sector are: Business Strategy Manager in Waste and Biogas, Biogas Engineer, Waste Management Director, Environmental Manager, Business Development Director, Plant Manager, and R&D Director.

These professionals must not only have technical knowledge about biogas production but also strategic skills to structure viable and profitable projects.

Catenon's Commitment to Talent in Biogas
In response to this need, Catenon has developed a strategy that combines its expertise in engineering, construction, and financial markets to connect companies with the key professionals the sector needs.

"Biogas is not a sector of large infrastructures with thousands of workers but of well-defined projects that require specialists capable of coordinating the primary sector and optimizing waste utilization. At Catenon, we work to identify and attract that essential talent that will allow companies to lead this transformation," concludes Carlota Pérez Marina.

With investment secured and the regulatory framework evolving, the future of biogas in Spain will depend on its ability to attract and develop the necessary talent. Companies, investors, and administrations have the opportunity to turn waste into a key renewable energy source for the country's sustainability.