Spain will have 704 district heating networks in 2020, a 95% increase in just three years

Biomass-fueled heating networks are the best energy solution, as demonstrated by the fact that they already account for 16% of heating in Eur; and that in Spain, nine out of ten new installations use this energy source.

Forecasts indicate that 704 district heating networks will be operating in Spain in 2020, representing a 95% increase compared to the 2017 year-end estimate of 362. Installed capacity will more than double, reaching 860,757 kW in 2020, compared to the 401,057 kW expected this year, according to estimates from the National Biomass Boiler Observatory.

These are some of the facts presented during the 'Mayor Explains to Mayor' meeting, held this morning as part of the Expobiomasa trade fair, organized in collaboration with the Association of Heating and Cooling Network Companies. This forum showcased the advantages and challenges already facing a significant number of municipalities in Spain.

Girona, 50 municipalities
The Girona Provincial Council has promoted the BEenerGI project, through which actions have already been carried out in 85 buildings in 50 municipalities replacing fossil fuel boilers with biomass boilers, which has involved an investment of 9.4 million eur , in addition to mobilizing the local biomass market with the intervention in 2,821.5 hectares of forests in the province.

This was explained by Antoni Ronda, Councilor for Economy in Arbúcies, a pioneering town in approving a municipal ordinance to offer tax breaks for improving energy efficiency in homes. The Construction Tax (ICIO) was reduced by 20% and the Property Tax (IBI) by 50% for installing biomass boilers. Over 90% of the town's surface area is covered by woodland.

The city's commitment began in 2007 with the installation of the first two boilers to supply the sports facilities. In 2016, the first biomass-fueled district heating system was inaugurated to supply several public buildings, including the City Hall itself. This district heating network reduces CO2 emissions by 151 tons each year. Furthermore, another new district heating network will be implemented this year for four additional buildings.

These infrastructures have not involved any investment or debt on the part of the City Council, as they have been carried out through a local Energy Services Company.

Cuéllar, the pioneer.
For his part, Luis Senovilla, the Councilor for Heritage in Cuéllar—the town with the oldest district heating network in Spain—explained the experience of this infrastructure, which has been operational for 18 years. Currently, the district heating network, spanning just over three kilometers, serves 278 homes, including 24 single-family homes, five housing cooperatives, and three apartment buildings, in addition to six municipal facilities. Each year, it prevents the emission of 1,500 tons of CO2.

This summer, work has begun to install individual meters in each home, which will allow monitoring of consumption patterns in communities via telematics, enabling the anticipation of residents' demand and improving the efficiency of the generation and distribution system.