Edison Next fights for the future of sustainable transportation.

Biomethane, a renewable gas obtained from organic waste, is increasingly gaining prominence as a key solution for decarbonizing the transport sector. With its ability to replace fossil natural gas without requiring modifications to current gas vehicles, this fuel is paving the way towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility. The REPowerEU Plan, presented in 2022, marked a turning point in biomethane production in Europe. This plan aims to reach 35 bcm (billion cubic meters) of annual production by 2030, representing approximately 10% of total fossil gas consumption in the European Union. In Spain, the biomethane production potential is among the highest in Europe, with estimates ranging between 120 and 160 TWh annually. In 2023, the country injected 244.1 GWh of biomethane into the natural gas network, an increase of 38.9% compared to the previous year. Additionally, that same year, five new production plants became operational, bringing the total on the Iberian Peninsula to 14, with a combined capacity of 500 GWh/year. According to announced projects, 92 plants are expected to be operating by 2027, increasing total capacity to 5,000 GWh/year, which would multiply the current capacity by ten. The land and maritime transport sector is one of those that could benefit the most from biomethane as a clean and efficient alternative. In 2023, total natural gas consumption for mobility in Spain reached 5,588 GWh, an increase of 55.4% compared to 2022. Of this amount, 16.05 GWh corresponded to biomethane used in road transport, a figure that, although incipient, demonstrates the growing interest in this renewable fuel. In Spain, currently more than 37,000 vehicles could achieve net zero emissions by adopting biomethane as fuel. On the other hand, this approach is especially relevant in maritime transport, a sector that experienced exponential growth in liquefied natural gas (LNG) consumption, with an increase of almost 370% between 2022 and 2023. These data demonstrate the enormous potential of renewable fuels to position themselves as viable and sustainable alternatives to diesel and other traditional fossil fuels. Edison Next is leading the shift towards more sustainable transport through innovative projects that leverage biomethane as a key fuel. Thanks to anaerobic digestion technology, we are producing high-quality biomethane from organic waste, such as that from the agri-food and livestock industries. This renewable gas, with a purity comparable to conventional natural gas, is highly versatile and has great versatility of use, for example, in heating, cooling, transport, and electricity generation. A clear example of this commitment is the Nature Biogás project in Asturias, where Edison Next is contributing to the construction of one of the first biomethane plants in the region. With an investment of over 10 million euros, this plant will generate 30,000 MWh of BioLNG annually, using waste from livestock farms to produce biofuel. Biomethane is one of the most promising solutions for achieving global climate goals and ensuring sustainable mobility. With the support of technological innovation and commitment, we are convinced that this fuel will transform the transport landscape in the coming decades.