Biogas Technology Leads a Global Shift Toward Sustainable Gas Storage
Five years ago, a venture emerged on the Valladares Highway that would grow into a network of more than a hundred interconnected projects worldwide. The company designs, manufactures, and installs gas holders with a distinctive spherical form. These giant bubbles store biogas derived from the waste customers generate, turning everyday refuse into a valuable energy resource. The spheres are not just storage; they are a critical link in the waste reclamation chain, enabling a seamless transformation from discarded materials to usable energy. The underlying idea is simple: the big bang of energy begins with waste, then becomes power that fuels industries and communities.
Founded by Pablo Herrero, along with Rubén and Raquel Freiria, the company has built a robust portfolio of international projects. The founders note that studies have spanned from Tasmania to Vancouver, and they are currently developing midway plans for locations in Singapore and Saudi Arabia. In Cairo, Egypt, a 24,000 cubic meter gas storage infrastructure has commenced construction, described as one of the world’s largest in its class. The company also reports ongoing orders in Romania and Colombia, emphasizing that a large share of business occurs abroad, with approximately 85 percent of activity outside its home region. [Citation: Vigo-based Biogas Technology]
The core product line reimagines gasometers, diverging from traditional designs through simpler assembly and enhanced longevity. Conventional metal caps are prone to corrosion when biogas contains hydrogen sulfide (H2S), necessitating frequent maintenance. Building equivalent tanks from heavier steel can demand substantial resources. In contrast, the company favors lighter, easier-to-handle membranes that fit inside half a sea container. When installation starts, a crew of three can set up a unit, with all components prepared in about a week. This approach reduces both material use and labor while delivering reliable performance in diverse environments. [Citation: Vigo-based Biogas Technology]
Currently, the company collaborates with major operators including FCC, Acciona, and Water Corporation, Western Australia’s leading water services provider, focusing on construction and processing sectors. Safir is among the clients served, along with Innolact in Lugo for dairy production. The Calvo and Cogal fishing groups, based in Rodeiro, are producers and marketers of rabbit meat, while fermentation facilities for Don Simón, Mahou, and San Miguel also rely on these gas storage solutions. The reach demonstrates the versatility of gasometers across food production, beverage fermentation, and public utilities. [Citation: Vigo-based Biogas Technology]
The biogas created from organic waste is used to heat the water in production processes that involve beer and related beverages. Waste is recaptured and redirected into the energy loop, highlighting a sustainable ethos. The gasometer design includes a concrete foundation, a gas-accumulation counter, an outer membrane, and an inner membrane to store the source. A buffer tank maintains line pressure from empty to full, while a safety valve releases excess pressure to protect the inner membrane. Blowers enable air flow into the bubbles, facilitating controlled storage and safe operation. [Citation: Vigo-based Biogas Technology]
In the most recent year, Biogas Technology reported a turnover approaching 400,000 euros, with momentum gaining to about 1.5 million euros in the current year. This trajectory signals strong sector potential as more companies prioritize sustainability and seek to reduce energy costs through innovative technologies like these gas storage systems. The company’s growth mirrors broader industry trends toward circular economy practices, where waste becomes a resource and energy costs are driven down through smarter infrastructure. [Citation: Vigo-based Biogas Technology]