Edison Next Champions the Future of Sustainable Transport

Biomethane, a renewable gas produced from organic waste, is gaining increasing recognition as a key solution to decarbonize the transport sector. With its ability to replace fossil natural gas without requiring modifications to existing gas-powered vehicles, this fuel is paving the way toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility model.

The REPowerEU Plan, introduced in 2022, marked a turning point for biomethane production in Europe. The plan sets a target of reaching 35 bcm (billion cubic meters) of annual production by 2030, equivalent to around 10% of the EU’s total fossil gas consumption.

In Spain, the biomethane production potential is among the highest in Europe, with estimates ranging from 120 to 160 TWh per year. In 2023, the country injected 244.1 GWh of biomethane into the natural gas grid—a 38.9% increase compared to the previous year. That same year, five new production plants were commissioned, bringing the total to 14 operating plants across the Iberian Peninsula, with a combined capacity of 500 GWh/year. Based on current project announcements, 92 plants are expected to be operational by 2027, boosting total capacity to 5,000 GWh/year, a tenfold increase over current levels.

The land and maritime transport sectors stand to benefit significantly from biomethane as a clean, efficient alternative fuel. In 2023, Spain’s total gas consumption for mobility reached 5,588 GWh, a 55.4% increase from 2022. Of that, 16.05 GWh corresponded to biomethane used in road transport—a modest but growing figure that reflects rising interest in renewable fuels.

Currently, more than 37,000 vehicles in Spain could achieve net-zero emissions by switching to biomethane as fuel. Biomethane is also especially relevant in maritime transport, which saw exponential growth in liquefied natural gas (LNG) consumption, rising by nearly 370% between 2022 and 2023. These trends highlight the enormous potential of renewable fuels to serve as viable, sustainable alternatives to diesel and other traditional fossil fuels.

Edison Next is at the forefront of the shift toward sustainable transport, driving innovation through projects that leverage biomethane as a key fuel source. Through anaerobic digestion technology, we produce high-quality biomethane from organic waste—particularly from the agri-food and livestock sectors. This renewable gas, with a purity level comparable to conventional natural gas, is extremely versatile and can be used for heating, cooling, transportation, and electricity generation.

A clear example of this commitment is the Nature Biogás project in Asturias, where Edison Next is helping to build one of the region’s first biomethane plants. With an investment of over €10 million, the plant will generate 30,000 MWh of BioLNG per year, using livestock farm waste to produce sustainable biofuel.

Biomethane is one of the most promising solutions for achieving global climate goals and ensuring sustainable mobility. Backed by technological innovation and strong commitment, we at Edison Next are confident that this fuel will reshape the future of transport in the coming decades.