·The ‘Unue’ project aims to produce and inject approximately 20 GWh of biomethane per year into the Spanish gas system, which would reduce emissions by around 30,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent
·This project is the first of its kind to be carried out in Spain by a private initiative
·The upgrading process, which is required to transform biogas into biomethane, will be carried out in a biogas plant located in the Spanish province of Burgos
·The promoting companies will collaborate with two other companies for the implementation of the project: Biogasnalia, a waste manager and owner of the biogas plant in Burgos, and AGF Ingeniería de Procesos, a firm in charge of the design and execution of the facility
Enagás Emprende’s start-up, Bioengas, and the independent investment manager, Suma Capital, have kicked off the construction of the ‘Unue’ project, aimed at transforming biogas into biomethane. This renewable gas will afterwards be injected into the gas pipeline network of the Spanish Gas System. ‘Unue’ is the first industrial project with this purpose to go into operation, undertaken by a private initiative in Spain.
This renewable project, which will be carried out in a biogas plant located in the province of Burgos, aims to produce and inject approximately 20 gigawatt hours (GWh) of biomethane per year into the gas network, which would reduce emissions by around 30,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2eq).
Biogas is obtained through the anaerobic decomposition of biodegradable organic industrial, agricultural and livestock waste. After being purified through a technological process called upgrading, it turns into biomethane.
Biomethane is a renewable, local and storable source of energy supply that reduces emissions into the atmosphere. It can be transported by existing gas infrastructure and has multiple energy uses, such as in the energy-intensive industry. It can also be used as a sustainable fuel for vehicles.
The companies that are promoting the project will receive the support of two other firms in the production process. Biogasnalia, leading company in sustainable management of organic waste in Castile-León region and owner of the biogas plant in Burgos, where the activities will be carried out. AGF Ingeniería de Procesos, specialised in renewable gases, which will lead the design and execution of the facility.
The project, whose launch is expected in the first half of 2021, is currently in the construction phase after UNUE Gas Renovable, the company promoting the project, was established last July.
Promoting renewable gases
In April 2019, Bioengas and Suma Capital signed an agreement whereby the companies decided to jointly invest in projects to develop biogas and biomethane, and therefore contribute to boosting circular economy. The ultimate objective of the two companies is to develop and build a series of biogas and biomethane production plants in Spain using innovative technologies. ‘Unue’ is the partnership’s first project.
Bioengas is a subsidiary created in 2019 from Enagás’s corporate entrepreneurship programme, Enagás Emprende. The objective of the start-up is to promote the efficient generation and production of renewable gases, covering the entire value chain, for its later implementation in the energy mix. This way they contribute to the decarbonisation process. Bioengas is one of the 14 start-ups that have emerged from Enagás’ Corporate Venturing, which has created a total of 450 new jobs since it was established in 2016.
Suma Capital is an independent investment manager with more than 300 million euros under management, focused on business growth and sustainable development. It manages specialised sustainable infrastructure funds that promote energy transition and circular economy, generating a positive environmental and social impact.
