The great challenge of bioenergy in the world is to increase the efficiency of its use

The role of bioenergy in the world and in Spain, with the focus on the strategic energy valorization of agrobiomass and the benefits of implementing urban heat networks with biomass , was the topic of the conference 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 of both associations and the companies REBI-Recursos de la Biomasa, the main promoter and manager of biomass heat networks in Spain, and MAGNON Green Energy, a renewable energy subsidiary of the ENCE Group and the main generator. of electricity with biomass in the country.

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

The great challenge of bioenergy in the world is to increase the efficiency of its use, since practically 75% of the biomass used is firewood and charcoal in traditional uses. Compared to the 59.2 EJ of energy provided by biomass on a global scale per year, only 1.5% is obtained from pellets, the “modern” biomass.

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

Pablo Rodero , responsible for biofuels and sustainability certification at AVEBIOM, reviewed the situation in Spain, where 82% of renewable heat and 5% of renewable electricity are obtained from the valorization of biomass. This means that 14% of the country's thermal needs and slightly less than 2% of electricity consumption are covered with bioenergy.

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

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

Pablo Rodero stressed that, in order to guarantee the greatest efficiency and sustainability and the lower emissions in the energy valuation of biomass, the sector is over to demonstrate their excellence through compliance with increasingly demanding eurOPE and national regulations (Ecodiseño, Rite, etc. Regulation); And he pointed out that the implementation of certifying schemes such as Sure, Enplus or Biomasud helps to build an increasingly competitive sector.

Two models of energy recovery from 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 have been 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 improving the overall health of the ecosystem.

In this sense, he stressed that the energy recovery of biomass contributes decisively to reducing the virulence of forest fires, which are increasingly dangerous in the Mediterranean area. “ We need bioenergy, not for the use of energy, 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 valorize any type of biomass close to your facilities is a clear operational advantage. The company takes advantage of a wide diversity of raw materials to supply its 8 power plants, with a 50% share of agrobiomass (prunings, straw, byproducts from the olive sector...).