Spain advances towards a more sustainable and circular economic model, and does so with a firm step, although not exempt from challenges. It is the conclusion that is separated from the latest Moeve report, the “Energy Insight nº23”, which reflias the opportunities and obstacles of the circular economy in our countrywith a special approach in the energy sector.
At present, the Spanish economy is essentially linear: we take resources, we manufacture, consume and eliminate. But this model is not sustainable. We will need more than double the Spanish surface to feed our system economic, according to the document. Therefore, the 2030 Circular Strategy seeks to change the rules of the game, betting on a system where products and materials remain in use as long as possible.
“The circular economy is an alternative to the traditional linear economic model based on the concept” Take-Manufacture-Consume-Eliminar “, which uses natural resources intensively and significantly impacts the environment,” recalls the report, proposed keep products and materials as long as possible to “maximize their value and minimize waste”.
This approach is not only more sustainable, but also represents a strategic advantage. According to the survey by Moeve in collaboration with Capital Radio, the 80% of the managers consulted by Moeve consider the circular economy as a key axis For future competitiveness. Not only does it improve reputation and reduce costs (according to 74% and 40% of companies, respectively), but it is a seedbed of innovation and new business opportunities. And the commitment goes beyond the law: only 31% do so by normative obligation.
In addition, the 54% of managers ensure that their company has adopted “much” or “enough” the principles of circular economy. And when asked where they see more potential, 62% indicate the energy sector, especially in technologies such as biomethane and second generation biofuels (2G), waste and biomass derived.
Thus, the report underlines the enormous potential of the energy sector in this paradigm shift. Technologies such as biogas and biomethane – produced from agricultural, livestock or industrial waste – allow generating local renewable energy and reduce fossil fuel dependence. Second generation liquid biofuels (2G), such as bioeliel, bioethanol or SAF (sustainable for aviation), complete the circular pack for sectors difficult to electrify.
«2g biofuels are obtained using biomass, used oils or other waste as raw material», And its key advantage is that” they can be used as substitutes for fossil fuels without alterations in engines. ” In fact, the report details how biomethane, obtained by biogas, has “similar characteristics to natural gas, being a renewable substitute,” applicable in heating, transport or electricity generation.
Thus, between 2012 and 2018, the circular economy generated 4 million jobs in the EU. By 2030, more than 700,000 new positions are expected, 10% of them in Spainmany in rural areas. The key? Transform waste into resources, with new plants, biorefinerías and intelligent management systems.
But not everything is green gold. The document warns that “adapting to circular models may imply in some cases added costs for companies”, something that particularly affects SMEs. The document speaks of a “regulatory tsunami” that comes from Brussels and that accompanies the progressive increase in the demand in relation to waste and the circular economy, which “implies having to adapt to changes and a greater effort to meet the established standards.”
The report indicates that the European regulatory impulse is key to moving towards the circular economy, but also that it can become a barrier if it is not accompanied by support and coordination measures. To this is added the need to harmonize the regulations between Autonomous Communities and the technological challenge that involves developing infrastructure and R&D leaders, which due to its high cost and the lack of an environment that accompanies its deployment, sometimes generates uncertainty for project developers.
In spite of everything, the direction is clear: Spain has proposed to reduce the consumption of materials by 30%, 15% the generation of waste and improve another 15% in water efficiency. Ambitious, yes, but possible If there is political will, business support and adequate financing. In short, the report emphasizes that the circular economy is a necessity, an opportunity and a real way to reinvent the Spanish productive model without leaving anyone behind.