Spain is moving towards a more sustainable energy model, and renewable gases are consolidated as a decisive pillar. Green gas – from waste treatment and renewable sources – does not generate carbon emissions and is essential for decarbonization. Its two main modalities are biomethane, produced from organic waste, and green hydrogen, generated with renewable electricity and water.
Biomethane stands out for being able to be distributed through the existing gas infrastructure without the need for adaptations to networks or consumers. Its implementation promotes the circular economy, reduces waste and provides environmental, economic and social benefits, in addition to offering constant availability throughout the year, something especially valuable compared to other seasonal renewable energies.
In this context, the network of Nedgia, the gas distributor of the Naturgy group, with more than 60,000 kilometers and the potential to deliver green gas immediately to more than 5.5 million consumers spread across 1,150 municipalities in 10 autonomous communities, plays a strategic role. Its network concentrates 80% of the national green gas potential and has signed 90 green gas injection contracts, the equivalent of the consumption of one million homes. Thirteen biomethane production plants are already connected, of which five have begun injecting this year.
Raúl Suárez, CEO of Nedgia, recalls that «biomethane is today a real alternative to advance a sustainable energy transition. “Only with 30% of the potential of this green gas that we have in Spain could we decarbonize the entire housing stock without the owners having to make any investment.”
However, the sector still requires additional support. France, for example, has gone from 44 to more than 700 plants in seven years. Spain, with a potential of 163 TWh – equivalent to 40% of national gas demand – could completely decarbonize domestic consumption, a large part of industrial consumption, and avoid the emission of 8.3 million tons of methane.
The PNIEC has doubled its renewable gas production target to 20 TWh in 2030, while the RepowerEU plan places it at 35 TWh. This reinforces the possibility of Spain becoming a future European gas hub and consolidating a leadership position in the development of clean energy.
Biomethane is continuous, storable and indigenous. It does not require changes to home facilities and has high social acceptance: 72% of citizens consider that it fits their needs, according to a study carried out by Salvetti Llombart for Nedgia. Consumers value its renewable nature, its ability to reduce waste and national autonomy.
For all these reasons, the gas network is reaffirmed as a backbone of the decarbonization of homes and industry, and a decisive instrument to guarantee a safe, sustainable and competitive energy supply.