Biomass is positioned as the most profitable renewable technology

Renewable energies are called to be a fundamental tool to address the challenges of the Ecological Transition in a fair way and, additionally, create jobs and energize rural areas. Thanks to technologies such as biomass, this will be possible without incurring additional costs. According to the report “Contribution of new generation biomass to the electrical system in the context of the energy transition” by PwC, presented by APPA Renovables, biomass could save close to 3.6 billion euros and, at the same time, contribute decisively to savings in the electrical system and to the economic, social and environmental development of rural areas .

Margarita de Gregorio, director of APPA Biomass; Óscar Barrero, Energy and Utilities partner at PwC; and Jordi Aguiló, general director of Pulp at ENCE-Energía y Celulosa and President of APPA Biomass, presented the report last week and confirmed the importance of bioenergy in our country , which constitutes 48% of the energy generated from from renewable sources (data corresponding to 2018 that includes thermal and electrical biomass, as well as biofuels used in transportation).

Biomass must play a key role in our energy future

The potential for energy generation and economic savings from biomass will only be possible if a firm commitment is made to this technology, which is key to rural development. “If we want to generate quality employment and boost the economy in rural areas, we cannot miss the opportunity to bet on biomass. Since January 2016 – more than five years ago – no specific auctions have been held for biomass,” said Jordi. Aguiló.

“There are certain measures that must be taken in the short and medium term to ensure all the benefits of these technologies, which are very profitable for our country: hold specific auctions for solid biomass, cogeneration with biomass, biogas or domestic organic waste; "Increase the auctioned capacity by differentiating between large and small projects, extend the useful life of existing facilities and the maximum delivery time of new plants ... These are necessary improvements in the medium term to enjoy all the savings and benefits in the long term," he explained. the president of APPA Biomass.

A cost-effective technology with great savings potential

Biomass, especially new generation plants, can mean significant savings for the electrical system. From 2014 to 2019, the total installed biomass power has grown by 9% . The latest available data shows us a power of 857 MW of biomass and 588 MW of renewable waste , which, together, represents about 1.5 GW, 4% of the total renewable capacity . In the period 2014-2019, biomass has generated a total of 5.3 TWh of electricity, 5% of renewable generation in that period.

The potential of biomass in our country is very high: being the third European country with the largest amount of biomass resources , it is currently at the bottom in their energy use. Even with compliance with all the objectives set in the PNIEC 2021-2030, this biomass resource potential would generate around 10,050 GWh annually, which would represent only 5.8% of the total potential of this energy source.

Despite these objectives, which are very conservative taking into account its potential, the savings for the system will be notable if costs and benefits are taken into account: the development of biomass would save nearly 3.6 billion euros.

Sustained growth in thermal uses

Beyond the economic analysis, it is important to consider the role that these technologies play in meeting energy needs and directly replacing the consumption of fossil fuels.

As reflected in the report presented, biomass constitutes a versatile solution for the different energy needs of our country . An example of this is the role that biomass plays in thermal energy consumption. The final consumption of thermal energy from biomass has reached 48 TWh, with approximately 95% being consumed by the residential and industrial sectors.

Key in rural development and very beneficial for the environment

The development of biomass is essential for the generation of new employment associated with renewable energies. In the case of this technology, and according to the “Socioeconomic balance of biomasses in Spain 2017-2021”, there could be more than 45,000 jobs associated with biomass during the year 2021 . This is especially significant for the Just Transition and the Demographic Challenge given that the majority of this employment is generated in rural areas, where (local) biomass resources are found that are valued in energy generation facilities. Contributing decisively to the economic, social and environmental development of these regions.

The development of biomass makes it possible to establish the population and energize other sectors such as agriculture and livestock, favoring industrialization, improving competitiveness and entrepreneurship in sparsely populated geographies.

The development of this form of energy entails clear environmental benefits, the main one being the reduction of emissions it implies and its positive effect in the fight against climate change . Additionally, it contributes to the use of certain biomass resources that, otherwise, would be a source of pollution due to the indiscriminate combustion of agricultural prunings; It also contributes to the management of forest masses , favoring the clearing of forests and reducing the risk of forest fires.