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

Biomass will have a fundamental role in ensuring the manageability of the electrical system and being able to meet the renewable energy objectives set for 2030. To do this, according to the president of APPA Biomasa, Jordi Aguiló, it will be necessary to have “greater ambition by the Administration and specific auctions that reflect the real value of this technology.”

New generation biomass plants, such as the one that hosted the statements by the president of APPA Biomasa, Jordi Aguiló, must be a fundamental part of the sustainability of our future electrical system. For Aguiló, “specific auctions must be carried out for biomass plants, given their capacity to provide manageable electricity and firmness to the future renewable electricity mix.” Jordi Aguiló's statements took place during a press visit to the new generation Biollano power plant, located in Puertollano, Ciudad Real.

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

“It is necessary to make a decisive 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 essential for the Ecological Transition to also be a Just Transition for the regions,” Aguiló explained during his appearance.

The plant visited, which was previously a coal plant, and which has a power of 50 MW and will soon be accompanied by a twin installation, is a good example of the new generation biomass plants that are being installed in Spain as a result of the 2016 auctions. Power plants that provide renewable and manageable electricity, in addition to providing firmness and robustness to the electrical system.

In addition to its contribution to the renewable electricity objectives, which the PNIEC estimates at 74%, biomass is essential to meet the global goal of renewables in the energy system. The PNIEC indicates 42% renewables by 2030, with electricity being less than 25% of the total, so the great energy challenge of the next decade will be the integration of renewables in thermal uses and transportation.

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