The government is actively refining the National Energy and Climate Plan PNIEC, the official roadmap guiding the decarbonization of the economy and energy systems over the coming decade. The revision sets sharper targets for renewable energy deployment by 2030, a pace widely deemed achievable, though reaching it will require renewed momentum in execution. Renewables are receiving heightened attention in this update, including renewable gases.
This week, Sara Aagesen, the Minister of State for Energy, confirmed higher biomethane production targets and a strong push for expanding green hydrogen. Gas is poised to play a pivotal role in the energy transition, she asserted before the leadership of the national gas industry. The government signals its readiness to back renewable gases and raise PNIEC targets to accelerate progress.
The announcement came at the annual gathering where Sedigás, the Spanish Gas Association, outlined Spain’s historic opportunity to lead Europe in the renewable gas revolution. Speakers focused on security of supply, energy sovereignty, and the ongoing shift toward decarbonization as core aims of the industry’s dialogue.
Joan Batalla, president of Sedigás, underscored that Spain stands to become a major hub for European renewable gas supply. Industry leaders echoed a shared belief that Spain can and should take a leading role in producing gas from renewable sources across the continent.
Spain hosts an extensive gas infrastructure network totaling about 100,000 kilometers of transmission and distribution lines. A portfolio of ready-to-deploy or easily adaptable projects supports the circulation of renewable gases and the development of biomethane produced from biogas derived from organic waste, as well as green hydrogen generated from renewable energy. This positions the country to compete strongly in Europe’s renewable gas race.
A common strategic vision among major energy players envisions first biomethane, then hydrogen, with expectations of rapid biomethane expansion followed by broad green hydrogen deployment. Greater public support and European funding are being pursued to solidify the technology’s maturity.
Spain already operates five biomethane plants that blend the gas with natural gas and feed it into the grid. The nation’s project portfolio exceeds 200 initiatives that could materialize in the next two years. Major companies including Iberdrola, Endesa, Naturgy, Repsol, Cesa, Enagás, and Redexis are racing to enter the large-scale green hydrogen market and to mobilize investments for new production facilities in Spain.
Regarding biomethane, the EU recognizes Spain as one of the top countries with the greatest potential. For hydrogen, Spain is already a leading producer and exporter. Biomethane is seen as a mature and competitive technology, while hydrogen is viewed as the energy vector of the future. Sedigás notes that Spain should aim to produce enough biomethane to meet about 10 percent of gas demand by 2030.
Even as the PNIEC revision originally slated for 2023 faces a delay, the government points to progress across pathways for the Biogas Roadmap, Hydrogen Roadmap, and renewable gases. The macro plan within the Recovery and Resilience framework includes substantial investment, with public and private funding totaling over 16.3 billion euros directed toward green hydrogen and renewables.
EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE
The European Commission has crafted strategies to reduce Europe’s reliance on hydrocarbons and diversify energy supplies. The REPowerEU framework highlights the importance of renewable gases as part of a broader push toward decarbonization and energy sovereignty. The plan targets a notable rise in renewable hydrogen production and imports by 2030, alongside an increase in biomethane production. It also allocates significant funding to build hydrogen infrastructure and to strengthen gas networks used for renewable gas circulation, all aimed at reducing Europe’s vulnerability to external pressures.
Linking the energy agenda across Europe, Sedigás representatives emphasize the need to expand interconnections with neighboring countries to strengthen Spain’s role as a renewable gas hub. The sector underscores that advancing gas infrastructures and cross-border connections is essential for integrating renewable gases into the energy system and achieving broader decarbonization goals.
Interconnection plans include discussions on upgrading cross-border pipelines with France through the Pyrenees. While those plans carry financial considerations, Brussels has signaled willingness to contribute to the costs of new gas and electricity interconnections, enabling a smoother transition to hydrogen-ready networks.
In this climate, Spain’s leadership in renewable gases gains visibility as policymakers, industry executives, and engineers collaborate to turn potential into practical capacity. The emphasis remains on reliable energy supply, domestic sovereignty, and a fast-tracked transition to cleaner energy that aligns with Europe’s decarbonization timeline and strategic autonomy.