Biollano, the transformation of a thermal power plant into a biomass plant

Biomass will play a fundamental role in ensuring the manageability of the electricity system and meeting the renewable energy targets set for 2030. According to Jordi Aguiló, president of APPA Biomasa, this will require "greater ambition from the government and specific auctions that reflect the true value of this technology.".

Next-generation biomass plants, like the one where APPA Biomasa President Jordi Aguiló made his remarks, must be a fundamental part of the sustainability of our future electricity system. According to Aguiló, “specific auctions should be held for biomass plants, given their capacity to provide dispatchable electricity and stability to the future renewable energy mix.” Jordi Aguiló's statements were made during a press visit to the new-generation Biollano plant, located in Puertollano, Ciudad Real.

The latest version of the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan, in which the contribution of this technology to the 2030 renewable energy targets has been slightly reduced; or the limit of 6,500 hours for the paid operation of biomass power plants, are examples of the Administration's lack of ambition towards this technology.

“It is essential to make a firm commitment to biomass, as one of the technologies with the greatest socioeconomic impact in rural areas. The benefits of biomass go far beyond energy independence or the fight against climate change. Biomass is fundamental for the Ecological Transition to also be a Just Transition for the regions,” Aguiló explained during his appearance.

The plant visited, formerly a coal-fired power plant, with a capacity of 50 MW and soon to be joined by a twin facility, is a good example of the new generation of biomass power plants being installed in Spain as a result of the 2016 auctions. These plants provide renewable and manageable electricity, as well as adding stability and robustness to the electrical system.

In addition to its contribution to the renewable electricity targets, which the National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) sets at 74%, biomass is essential for meeting the overall renewable energy goal for the energy system. The PNIEC sets a target of 42% renewables by 2030, with electricity accounting for less than 25% of the total. Therefore, the major energy challenge of the next decade will be integrating renewables into heating and transportation.

Bioenergy is currently the only energy source that can contribute to achieving all the stated objectives. Furthermore, it is the energy source that generates the most jobs. “Biomass power plants, as well as the industries associated with the thermal uses of bioenergy, represent a true revolution for the municipalities where they are located, both economically and in terms of job creation,” concluded Jordi Aguiló.