Moeve, a leading energy company, has announced an ambitious €600 million investment plan to develop up to 30 biomethane plants across Spain by 2030. This initiative, aimed at promoting the circular economy and advancing the energy transition, is part of Moeve‘s transformative strategy, Positive Motion. With a focus on sustainability and decarbonization, the company is setting the stage for a cleaner, more energy-efficient future, particularly in the regions of Andalusia, Catalonia, and Galicia, which are expected to show the greatest potential for the new plants.
Expanding the Renewable Energy Landscape
Moeve’s investment will focus on creating biomethane from agricultural and livestock waste. Biomethane, a renewable form of natural gas, is considered a key component in the decarbonization of energy systems. This investment is expected to yield a project portfolio that will produce 4 TWh of energy annually by 2030—enough to power 568,000 households each year. The biomethane production will also significantly reduce CO2 emissions, preventing the release of 728,000 tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to planting 48.5 million trees.
Moeve has partnered with key industry players, including Kira Ventures and PreZero, to bring this project to fruition. Recently, the company signed a significant agreement with InproEner to develop five biomethane plants in Spain, slated to be operational between 2028 and 2029. These plants will generate around 50 GWh of biomethane each annually, contributing 250 GWh to the total yearly production. This collaboration will also see input from EnviTec Biogas, a renowned expert in biogas plant construction, bringing valuable experience to the table with more than 650 biogas plants built globally.
The Role of Biomethane in Decarbonization
Biomethane plays a pivotal role in Moeve’s decarbonization strategy, serving as an immediate, sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. As part of its broader goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 (compared to 2019 levels), Moeve aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Furthermore, the company is working to lower the carbon intensity of its energy sold by 15-20% by 2030.
Matteo Vaglio, Moeve’s Biofuels Manager said: “Biomethane is a key commitment for Moeve to decarbonize our activity and that of our clients, as it can be immediately used in existing industries and transportation networks. This aspect facilitates its integration into the current energy market while promoting economic and social development in rural areas. Agreements with partners, such as the one reached with InProEner, are essential to accelerate our goals in this sector.”
The benefits of biomethane are many. Through a natural decomposition process of biodegradable organic waste—such as agricultural, livestock, and industrial by-products—biomethane is produced using anaerobic digestion. After this process, the gas undergoes purification to be converted into a usable renewable energy source. The shift to biomethane will significantly lower CO2 emissions (by more than 90% during its life cycle compared to conventional natural gas), making it an attractive alternative for industries and transportation sectors looking to decarbonize.
A Boost for Rural Economies
In addition to its environmental benefits, biomethane production is expected to drive sustainable economic growth, particularly in rural areas of Spain. The development of these plants will support two key sectors of the Spanish economy—agriculture and livestock—by creating new revenue streams from waste management and energy production. Biomethane plants also provide a solution for waste disposal by transforming organic materials into valuable energy and by-products, such as fertilizers and sustainable agricultural products that can benefit local farming.
Moeve’s efforts align with the European Union’s REPowerEU initiative, which aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and curb CO2 emissions. This strategy is also in line with several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
A Promising Future for Renewable Gas
Moeve’s biomethane plants are not only part of its decarbonization efforts but also play a crucial role in the broader European transition to renewable gases. By tapping into organic waste, these plants are contributing to the sustainable energy transition, reducing carbon footprints, and helping secure a cleaner energy future.
With the €600 million investment, Moeve is not only boosting Spain’s renewable energy capacity but also setting a global example of how circular economy models can help drive the energy transition forward. The company is well-positioned to lead the way in biomethane production, paving the path for cleaner, more sustainable energy systems in the years to come.
About Moeve
Moeve is committed to leading the way in the energy transition, focusing on circular economy principles and sustainable energy solutions. With strategic investments in renewable energy technologies like biomethane, the company aims to reduce CO2 emissions, contribute to the decarbonization of industries, and support the growth of green mobility. Through its Positive Motion strategy, Moeve is making significant strides towards creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for generations to come.
Source Moeve