Spain Faces the Biogas Challenge: Multi-Million-Dollar Investment and a Shortage of Specialized Talent
Article written by Oleo
Catenon has developed a strategy that combines its experience in engineering, construction and financial markets.
Spain is at a key moment to promote biogas as a renewable energy source. With one of the largest production levels of agricultural, livestock, and industrial waste in Europe, the country has undeniable potential to transform this waste into clean energy. However, two major challenges hinder the development of the sector: the need to structure efficient projects and the lack of specialized professionals capable of leading this transformation.
Biogas Investment: A Growing Market
Interest in biogas has grown exponentially in recent years. Major investment funds such as Asterion Industrial Partners, Azora Capital, Verdalia, Macquarie with Vorn, JP Morgan, and Redexis have already begun developing their production platforms in Spain. Furthermore, the sector has reached a new milestone with the first biomethane Project Finance in the country, backed by ING, reinforcing its maturity and financial attractiveness.
Biogas investment is estimated to reach €15 billion in the coming years, driven by the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and take advantage of incentives for renewable energy.
Regulation and International Demand: Key Factors
The growth of biogas in Spain is driven by the evolving regulatory framework and the growing demand for CO₂ certificates in Europe. In Northern European countries, where regulations are stricter, the price of these certificates has reached €120/MWh, while similar measures have not yet been implemented in Spain. This scenario opens up a significant opportunity for the national sector.
“Biogas not only represents a sustainable alternative but also a significant market opportunity. The key is to structure solid projects that maximize waste utilization and adapt to future regulations,” says Carlota Pérez Marina, Energy Director at Catenon.
The Shortage of Specialized Talent: The Big Obstacle
Despite growing interest and investment opportunities, the sector faces a structural problem: a lack of highly specialized professionals. The demand for experts in gas, waste management, and biomethane far exceeds the available supply, making project execution difficult.
Among the most sought-after profiles in the sector are: business strategy manager for waste and biogas, biomethane engineer, waste management director, environmental manager, business development director, plant manager, and R&D director.
These professionals not only require technical knowledge , but also strategic skills to design and execute viable and profitable projects.
Catenon’s Commitment to Biogas Talent
To address this challenge, Catenon has developed a comprehensive strategy to identify and attract talent in the sector. The firm combines its expertise in engineering, construction, and financial markets to connect companies with the specialists they need.
“Biogas isn’t a sector requiring large infrastructures with thousands of workers, but rather a sector requiring well-defined projects that require specialists capable of coordinating the primary sector and optimizing waste management. At Catenon, we work to identify and attract the essential talent that will enable companies to lead this transformation,” concludes Pérez Marina.
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