Veolia Pioneers Industrial Waste Biometano Production in Spains Renewable Energy Transition

Veolia has successfully completed the first injection of biometano produced from industrial waste recovery into Spains gas network. The facility, situated at Gunvor in Palos de la Frontera, Andalusia, has set a significant benchmark in renewable energy generation from industrial residues. Designed, built, and operated by Veolia, the biogas plant converts liquid industrial waste into high-quality renewable biometano through anaerobic digestion followed by an advanced purification process. This marks the first such application in Spain for this specific type of industrial waste, transforming an environmental limitation into a local energy resource.

The core of this project is a fully integrated circular model where industrial wastewater no longer simply constitutes waste but becomes a valuable resource. Approximately 105 cubic metres of liquid industrial waste are processed, recovering their energy content and reinjecting it into the local gas network as renewable biometano. This approach signifies a shift in waste management paradigms, turning what was once discarded into a source of sustainable energy.

Thanks to this innovative solution, the plant can produce over 8,000 cubic metres of biometano daily, equating to more than 32 GWh annually. This amount of energy is sufficient to meet the yearly electricity needs of around 9,000 Spanish households. By substituting fossil natural gas with locally produced renewable biometano, the project supports Spains energy diversification goals and enhances the energy sovereignty of Andalusia.

Daniel Tugues, Veolias Spain Country Director, highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative, stating that it supports customers in diversifying their energy mix and generating decarbonised local energy. The project exemplifies Veolias capacity to harness its expertise in waste management, water treatment, and energy production to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions. It aligns with Veolias GreenUp strategy aimed at producing local, decarbonised energy and underscores the companys commitment to pioneering renewable gas technologies.

Additionally, Oscar Mejía of Gunvor emphasised the project's significance for industrial circular economy practices. The collaboration demonstrates how technological innovation can foster sustainable waste management while simultaneously producing clean energy. This development not only bolsters Andalusias energy independence but also offers a replicable model for industries across Spain.

The plant utilises three proprietary Veolia technologies: the Memthane anaerobic digester with a capacity of 4,000 cubic metres that maximises biogas yield; Sulfothane, a biological desulphurisation system that removes hydrogen sulphide; and MemGas, which purifies biogas to meet strict injection standards. The biometano injection system achieved commissioning in December 2025, marking a pivotal step forward for renewable gas projects in southern Spain.

Environmental benefits are substantial, with annual reductions of over 8,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions—equivalent to removing around 4,000 vehicles from roads. Beyond emissions reduction, the project provides a sustainable waste management approach by closing the loop between waste treatment and energy production, exemplifying a sustainable industrial model. Veolias project demonstrates a tangible contribution to Spains decarbonisation objectives through innovative utilisation of industrial residues to generate renewable energy.