The great challenge for bioenergy worldwide is to increase the efficiency of its use

The role of bioenergy in the world and in Spain, with a focus on the strategic energy valorization of agrobiomass and the benefits of implementing urban heat networks with biomass , was the theme of the day organized by the World Bioenergy Association (WBA) and the Spanish Biomass Association (AVEBIOM) at SPIREC 2023, on February 20.

The event was attended by representatives from both associations and from the companies REBI-Biomass Resources, the main promoter and manager of biomass-fueled heating networks in Spain, and MAGNON Green Energy, the renewable energy subsidiary of the ENCE Group and the country's main generator of electricity with biomass.

Christian Rakos , president of the WBA, presented the big numbers of bioenergy on a global scale: with a 96% share it is the renewable energy par excellence for producing heat and, until its electrification expands, also for renewable transport with a 90% contribution in the form of biofuels.

The major challenge for bioenergy worldwide is increasing its efficiency, since practically 75% of the biomass used is firewood and charcoal in traditional applications. Compared to the 59.2 EJ of energy that biomass provides globally each year, only 1.5% is obtained from pellets, the “modern” form of biomass.

Christian Rakos points out two paths to follow: replacing inefficient heating or cooking equipment with gasification equipment and/or equipment that uses densified biomass such as pellets or briquettes; and massively valorizing local agricultural by-products.

Pablo Rodero , head of biofuel certification and sustainability at AVEBIOM, reviewed the situation in Spain, where 82% of renewable heat and 5% of renewable electricity are obtained from biomass. This means that 14% of the country's heating needs and slightly less than 2% of its electricity consumption are met with bioenergy.

In our country, it is also necessary to correct the current inefficient use of firewood by reducing it to at least one-third of total consumption by 2030 and, on the other hand, increase the valorization of agrobiomass such as olive and fruit tree prunings, husks, etc.

The Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan, PNIEC, sets a very conservative target for biomass compared to the potential and the trend of use observed today: compared to the 400 ktoe proposed by the PNIEC, the Agrobioheat project calculated a capacity to increase energy generation using only agrobiomass of more than 1000 ktoe in 2030.

Pablo Rodero emphasized that, to guarantee the greatest efficiency and sustainability and the lowest emissions in the energy valorization of biomass, the sector is urged to demonstrate its excellence through compliance with increasingly demanding eurand national regulations (Ecodesign Regulation, RITE, etc.); and pointed out that the implementation of certification schemes such as SURE, ENplus or BIOmasud contributes to building an increasingly competitive sector.

Two models for energy valorization of biomass: heat networks and bioelectricity generation.
Emilio López , executive director at REBI, reviewed the advantages offered by the 6 urban heat networks with biomass that they have built and operate as an energy services company: economic savings, lower carbon footprint and reduction of technical and financial risks for users; job creation; and improvement of the overall health of the ecosystem.

In this regard, he stressed that the energy recovery of biomass contributes decisively to reducing the severity of forest fires, which are becoming increasingly dangerous in the Mediterranean area. “ We need bioenergy, not just for energy production, but to save our forests.”

Esteban Santirso , director of the Biomass Trading Business Unit at Magnon Green Energy, pointed out the vital importance of optimizing biomass logistics to maintain the sustainability and profitability of energy generation.

Being able to utilize any type of biomass near its facilities provides a clear operational advantage. The company uses a wide variety of raw materials to supply its eight power plants, with 50% coming from agricultural biomass (pruning waste, straw, olive oil byproducts, etc.).