Spain has moved forward with this technology despite its late start compared to much of Europe, presenting a strong push toward renewable energy. In a joint statement with Nedgia, it was announced that during the same week the first large-scale biomethane production plant in Spain, backed by PreZero and Waga Energy, opened in Catalonia.
The facility sits in Els Hostalets de Pierola, near Barcelona. Biogas will be produced by separating waste at a controlled warehouse, while Nedgia will inject the biomethane into its own network via a six-kilometer pipeline.
This marks the country’s first facility capable of large-scale biomethane production. It yields 70 GWh of biomethane each year from the recovery of gas emitted by solid waste, a level that meets the energy needs of about 14,000 homes.
The opening ceremony featured David Mascort, Minister of Climate Action for the Generalitat of Catalonia, who stated, “This facility is a pioneer in Catalonia. It is the only site in the country capable of biomethane production and is driven by biogas derived from aerobic decomposition. It addresses major national challenges: energy transition, progress toward a circular economy, a rural agenda to boost activity in the primary sector, and emission reductions.”
Gonzalo Cañete, CEO of PreZero in Spain and Portugal, highlighted the project as a global benchmark for biomethane from waste. He pointed to decades of managed controlled beds as a European exemplar in plant degassing, now enabling large-scale renewable energy production.
Construction and ongoing operation of the unit are financed by selling biomethane to a private operator under a long-term power purchase agreement. This project represents the first large-scale biomethane injection from gas recovered at a controlled reservoir in Europe financed through this model.
The plant received a 2.4 million euro subsidy from the European Union through the Innovation Fund Small Scale program, which supports the development of innovative technologies to reduce carbon footprints.
Can Mata controlled deposit
Can Mata is among the largest deposits in Spain, spanning 78 hectares, an area roughly the size of more than 70 football pitches. Operated by PreZero Spain for over three decades, it handles urban and industrial waste from Barcelona and its surrounding region. More than 22 million tonnes have been managed here during that period.
Annual biogas output from the Can Mata waste is about 40 million cubic meters. To date, roughly half of that biogas has been redirected to generate thermal energy for the plant itself and to power the production of construction materials. The new technology enables even greater reuse of this resource.
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