Our subsidiary E4Efficiency transforms LNG residual cold into an opportunity in Barcelona
At Enagás, we firmly believe that innovation and sustainability are the keys to building a cleaner and more efficient energy future. That is why we celebrate the milestone achieved on November 25: the inauguration of the world’s first urban network that recovers the residual cold from a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal to supply sustainable energy to industrial, tertiary, and residential sectors.
This pioneering solution, located at Enagás’ LNG terminal in the Port of Barcelona, is the result of collaboration between Enagás (through our subsidiary E4Efficiency), Veolia, and the Barcelona City Council. A project that combines technological innovation and energy efficiency, becoming a model for decarbonization and public-private cooperation.
An idea born from Ingenia, Enagás’ Corporate Entrepreneurship initiative
Enagás’ participation in this project was carried out through E4Efficiency, an idea born from Ingenia, Enagás’ Corporate Entrepreneurship initiative, in its 1st edition in 2015. E4Efficiency was created as a spin-off and became part of Enagás Emprende’s startup portfolio in 2017, involving both its employee promoters and Enagás Emprende. Its purpose is to lead energy efficiency projects in the field of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) regasification plants. One of its main activities is leveraging the inherent cold from LNG to supply energy to various industrial facilities.
How does this innovative technology work in this Barcelona project?
The process utilizes the extreme cold generated during the regasification of LNG, which transitions from liquid to gas. Instead of being wasted, this residual cold is captured and transformed into energy at -20°C. This energy is injected into the largest urban cooling network in southern Europe, benefiting key infrastructures in Barcelona and L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, such as Fira de Barcelona, Generalitat offices, hotels, and industrial centers.
Tangible impact: sustainability serving the community
The results speak for themselves. Every year, this network generates 131 GWh of sustainable and competitive energy, equivalent to the consumption of a city like Reus, with over 100,000 inhabitants. Additionally, 32,000 tons of CO₂ emissions will be avoided annually, an achievement comparable to canceling 110 long-haul flights between Barcelona and New York.
A step closer to a carbon-neutral economy
Aligned with our commitment to sustainability, this project not only transforms Barcelona’s energy model but also opens doors to replicate this technology in the more than 150 existing LNG terminals worldwide. Thanks to the agreement signed with Veolia, we will work together to bring this solution to new territories, enhancing energy competitiveness and promoting the transition to a carbon-neutral economy.
A collaboration that creates the future
At Enagás, we thank the close collaboration of Veolia, the Barcelona City Council, and all the stakeholders involved in this project, the result of years of joint work. As our CEO, Arturo Gonzalo, said: “Today, we have taken a very significant step towards real and accessible sustainability for industries and consumers, proving that innovation can be the key to cleaner and more efficient energy.”
This milestone reaffirms our vision of transforming every challenge into an opportunity. We are convinced that with initiatives like this, we move towards a sustainable, innovative, and community-focused energy future.
