The Potential of Andalusian Olive Grove Biomass for Biomethane Production

Andalusia currently leads Spain in electricity generation using biomass, with 17 facilities totaling 274 MW linked to the olive sector and its industries, as well as primary forestry biomass. Furthermore, it is the region with the highest biomass consumption for thermal energy generation, boasting over 28,400 installations (stoves, boilers, dryers, hot air generators, etc.) with a total installed thermal capacity of 1,839 MW.

However, neither Andalusia nor Spain has yet tapped into the potential of biomass for biogas production. At Kiwi Energía, we consider this an undervalued market with huge development opportunities.

According to Sedigas (Spanish Gas Association), Andalusia is the region with the second-highest potential in Spain and could host up to 334 biogas plants, which would allow for the replacement of 100% of natural gas.

Biogas production technology is highly mature and implemented globally. In Europe alone, there are approximately 19,000 operational plants.

In Andalusia, there are currently 21 biogas production plants for electricity generation, totaling 33.45 MW. Eleven of these are located in municipal solid waste landfills, nine in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and one on a livestock farm using swine manure.

This demonstrates that the potential of olive grove biomass remains untapped, even though this crop is the region's primary source of agricultural and industrial by-products.

Other sectors, such as aviation, have already begun using olive by-products (used oils, olive pits) for the production of advanced biofuels or SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel). Andalusia currently has 11 biofuel plants with a total capacity of 1,281.8 ktoe/year*. Of these, seven are biodiesel, two are ETBE (Ethyl Tert-Butyl Ether), and two are HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil).

Kiwi Energía's vision is to utilize the raw material offered by the world's largest cultivated forest—the Andalusian olive grove—to build a better world for future generations through biomethane production. And we are starting in Andalusia.