Most Spanish households welcome renewable gas as a decarbonize their energy consumption, especially heating. The study led by Nedgia, the gas distributor of the Naturgy Group, has revealed the growing acceptance of the biomethane as a viable and efficient alternative for domestic use. According to the data collected in the survey – which Salvetti Llombart performs – 72% consider that the biomethane adjusts to the needs of their home and highlights its environmental benefits, while 65% bets on their hiring to reduce the carbon footprint in their homes.
Consumers highlight several key advantages of biomethane, such as their renewable character, their contribution to waste reduction (which are transformed into energy) and the ability to produce it within the Spanish territory, which guarantees greater energy autonomy. In addition, one of its main strengths is that it can be integrated into the existing natural gas infrastructure without the need for expensive modifications, which makes it a cheaper and more accessible option.
This acceptance of renewable gas translates into a great predisposition to their hiring if they had the opportunity. According to the same study, the intention to do so is 65% and rejection only 4%. In addition, 52% would be willing to hire it even if they had a more expensive price than other energies.
However, we find some obstacles to its implementation. Although Spain has one of the largest potentials of biomethane production in Europe, the current generation of this renewable gas is significantly lower compared to other countries such as France, Germany or Italy. This situation raises the need to promote policies and strategies that promote their development and use at the national level.
During a day organized by Fegeca, in which the Nedgia study was presented together with the 2024 heating report, the challenges of the sector and the existing misinformation about the use of gas boilers were discussed. In this context, the importance of renewable gases in the energy transition and the need to adopt hybrid solutions, such as the combination of biomethane with other renewable sources, to ensure balanced and competitive decarbonization.
A concrete example of the success of the biomethane in the residential field is the La Pajarita project, in Albacete. This energy rehabilitation initiative has allowed the viability of the biomethane as a substitute for conventional natural gas, without the need to modify the existing infrastructure. The 478 beneficiary homes have achieved a reduction of more than 60% in energy consumption.
In short, Nedgia’s study confirms the acceptance of biomethane as a real alternative for household decarbonization. Its growing adoption could make Spain a European reference in the production and use of this renewable gas.