Spain will have 704 heat networks in 2020, 95% more in just three years

Biomass heat networks constitute the best energy solution, as evidenced by the fact that in EurOPA they already represent 16% of heating; and that in Spain nine out of ten of the new facilities use this energy source.

Forecasts indicate that in 2020, 704 heat networks will operate in Spain, which will represent an increase of 95% compared to the 2017 closing estimate (362). And the growth in installed power will be more than double, with 860,757 kW in 2020, compared to the 401,057 kW that will be registered this year, according to estimates by the National Biomass Boiler Observatory.

These are some of the data that have been put on the table during the 'Mayor explains to mayor' meeting, held this morning within the framework of the Expobiomasa fair, organized in collaboration with the Association of Heat and Cold Network Companies. A forum in which the advantages and challenges that a significant number of municipalities already face in Spain have been presented.

Girona, 50 municipalities
The Diputación de Girona has promoted the Beenergi Project, through which actions have already been carried out in 85 buildings of 50 municipalities replacing fossil fuel boilers with other biomass, which has meant 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 of the province.

This was explained by Antoni Ronda, Councilor for Economy of Arbúcies, a pioneer town in approving a municipal ordinance to obtain bonuses for improving energy efficiency in homes. It reduced the Construction Tax (ICIO) by 20% and the IBI by 50% for installing biomass boilers. More than 90% of its surface is occupied by wooded masses.

The municipal commitment began in 2007, with the commissioning of the first two boilers to supply the sports facilities. In 2016, the first 'district heating' with biomass was inaugurated to supply several public buildings, including the City Hall itself. With this heat network, 151 tons of CO2 emissions are reduced each year. In addition, another new heat network will be launched this year for another four buildings.

These infrastructures have not involved an investment or debt from the City Council, since it has been carried out through a local Energy Services Company.

Cuéllar, the dean
For his part, the Heritage Councilor of Cuéllar, Luis Senovilla – the oldest locality of heat networks in Spain – explained the experience of this infrastructure, which has been operational for 18 years. Currently, the heat network, just over three kilometers long, serves 278 homes, divided into 24 single-family homes and five neighborhood cooperatives and three other housing blocks, in addition to six municipal facilities. Every year the emission of 1,500 tons of CO2 is avoided.

This summer, work began to install individual meters in each home, which will allow the behavior of consumption in communities to be observed by telematic means and to be able to anticipate the demand of neighbors and improve the efficiency of the generation and distribution system.