Spain to Mandate Biometano Integration in Gas Sector by 2028 to Accelerate Decarbonisation
The Spanish government is preparing a royal decree that will require gas suppliers and major consumers to incorporate minimum quotas of biometano into their energy supply from 2028. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, accelerate decarbonisation efforts, and strengthen national energy security. The regulation will introduce a gradual pathway, starting with a 0.5 percent inclusion of biometano in 2028 and reaching 6 percent by 2035.
These measures are led by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, aligning with European climate objectives and addressing the increased exposure of Spain to international energy crises. The recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have caused surges in global gas prices, exposing vulnerabilities within Europe's gas supply infrastructure. As a response, the decree mandates that transmission companies and direct consumers must demonstrate that part of their natural gas originates from certified biometano. The progressive targets include 0.5 percent in 2028, 1.1 percent in 2029, 1.8 percent in 2030, and up to 6 percent in 2035.
Excluded from these requirements are consumption dedicated to combined cycle plants, cogeneration, transport, and certain isolated insular areas without gas grid connectivity. The government emphasises that the policy will enable the substitution of imported fossil gas with domestically produced renewable fuel derived from organic waste. It is expected to attract investment, create employment in rural regions, and promote waste valorisation.
According to the impact assessment, although the higher costs of biometano compared to fossil gas may influence consumer sectors, the regulation will foster competition and deliver positive environmental and climatic benefits. This effort is part of the European REPowerEU strategy to reduce energy dependence, especially on Russia, and accelerate renewable energy deployment.
The regulation is also a response to the recent Royal Decree-Law 7/2026, which set annual biometano penetration targets following the energy crisis caused by Middle Eastern conflicts. Spain has experienced rapid growth in biometano capacity, expanding from a single operational plant in 2021 to 23 installations by early 2026, with 21 injecting renewable gases into the grid.
Nonetheless, current production levels remain insufficient to meet national targets. In 2024, combined biogas and biometano output reached approximately 6.93 TWh, with biometano injection representing just 0.1 percent of total gas demand. The National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan looks to increase annual biogas production to at least 20 TWh by 2030.
The decree also simplifies grid connection procedures for new biometano facilities, recognising reverse flow equipment and clarifying ownership of the necessary infrastructure. Furthermore, a social, territorial, and environmental excellence badge is proposed for new plants, rewarding projects that contribute to circular economy, local employment, territorial cohesion, and environmental integration.
Failure to meet minimum biometano quotas will be classified as a very serious infringement under hydrocarbons legislation. Oversight will fall to the General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines, with the National Markets and Competition Commission involved in the process.