The Technology is Now Mature, and the Market for Renewable Gases in Spain is Ready to Take Off
Interview with Nicolas Bruyas, Head of Business Development, Spain and Portugal at Prodeval
Written By: Alberto Casillas from RETEMA, Revista Técnica de Medio Ambiente (Technical Journal of the Environment)
Note: This is an interview between Alberto Casillas from RETEMA (from here out indicated as “AC”) and Nicolas Bruyas, Sales Director for Spain and Portugal (from here out indicated as “NB”), in which Nicolas Bruyas explains the Spanish market and our positioning.
AC: We would like to know more about PRODEVAL before beginning the interview. How was the company born, and what are your philosophy and objectives? What is your mission within the company?
NB: PRODEVAL is a company that started in 1990 by upgrading biogas from non-hazardous waste landfills. In 2009, Sébastien Paolozzi acquired the company and developed one of the first solutions for upgrading biogas into biomethane using three membrane stages. The company expanded rapidly in the promising French market. It gradually expanded its global presence in countries such as Italy, the Czech Republic, Germany, Canada, the United States, and, of course, Spain.
Today, we are world leaders with more than 450 operational units worldwide. PRODEVAL’s differentiating philosophy is based on highlighting our maintenance service and customer support. We offer 24/7 technical support, an inventory of critical parts that ensures a quick unit restart in case of interruption, and remote monitoring and control of the plant. This is precisely why PRODEVAL is already investing and hiring maintenance technicians in the Spanish territory, thanks to our first customers and units under construction.
I have been with the company since January 2019 and am responsible for sales in Spain and Portugal.
“We are a technology company specialized in offering integrated solutions that cover the entire value chain in valorizing green gases.”
AC: What are PRODEVAL’s main areas of activity?
NB: We are a technological company offering integral solutions covering the entire value chain of green gas upgrading. From the capture and purification of biogas to its conversion into biomethane, we accompany our clients at every stage.
For us, it is essential to provide advanced technological solutions and ensure complete and efficient maintenance of our facilities throughout their lifetime. In addition, we are committed to continuing to innovate and adapt to the market’s changing needs, making us a trusted partner for those looking to lead the energy transition.
AC: PRODEVAL offers various solutions and services for biogas treatment and biomethane production. Could you describe the main ones?
Our leading solutions include a biogas-to-biomethane upgrading system using a three-stage membrane process. This approach guarantees our customers’ compliance with the quality requirements for injection into natural gas networks (PD-01), optimal methane recovery performance, and high system operational availability.
Since 2021, we have also incorporated an additional biogenic CO2 liquefaction solution, which allows for the additional valorization of this by-product, thus contributing to maximizing the efficiency and sustainability of the entire process.
These solutions result from decades of continuous innovation and field-proven reliability, demonstrating our commitment to quality and performance. In addition, our technologies are modular and highly adaptable, allowing us to customize them to meet each customer’s or project’s specific needs. This flexibility ensures that our customers get the maximum benefit from their investments in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability.
AC: The company’s track record is extensive, with an established track record of commissioned installations, especially in Europe. Tell us a little about the projects that you carry out at PRODEVAL and any particularly noteworthy success stories.
NB: The real success of PRODEVAL lies in the experience accumulated through all our European projects. Each installation has strengthened our ability to understand the market and perfect our solutions.
This continuous learning has led us to launch the ALLIANCE project, the world’s first industrial production line of biogas upgrading and bio-CO2 liquefaction units. ALLIANCE is not only a response to the growing demand but also a strategic step towards consolidating the biogas sector in Europe. With this new production line, which will be operational by the end of 2024, we will be able to produce around 450 units per year, marking a turning point in the capacity to deploy biogas solutions on a large scale. This project reflects the strength of PRODEVAL and our vision to lead the market with innovative and high-quality solutions.
AC: What are the differential values of your solutions?
NB: PRODEVAL’s solutions stand out for several key differentiating values. We continuously innovate in co-creation with our customers, adapting our technologies to their specific needs to maximize efficiency in methane recovery and ensure maximum value from their resources. In addition, our reliability and high operational availability are paramount; we accompany our customers throughout the life cycle of their facilities with a comprehensive maintenance service that minimizes downtime and ensures continuity of operations. Our modular and adaptable solutions allow precise customization for each project while focusing on sustainability and carbon footprint reduction. Finally, our 24/7 technical support and robust after-sales service resolve any issues quickly. Biomethane plants operate 24/7, and every outage has a significant impact on the profitability of the project. At PRODEVAL, we design our equipment to minimize these stoppages and ensure that their consequences do not affect the volume injected annually.
“Our technologies are modular and highly adaptable, which allows us to customize them to meet the specific needs of each client or project.”
AC: At the beginning of 2023, PRODEVAL established its offices in Spain, specifically in Zaragoza. What has motivated the company’s landing in the country?
NB: I have been following the Spanish market since 2019, participating, for example, in the first edition of the Renewable Gas Show in 2020. After observing the sector’s growing traction in the country, we decided to anticipate and strengthen our presence with a local team. This has always been PRODEVAL’s strategy: to be close to our customers and adapt quickly to the market’s needs.
After this first year, we already have several plants under construction, reinforcing our confidence in biomethane’s potential in Spain. Although the market is still consolidating, we do not doubt biomethane will succeed in the country.
AC: What are the prospects for the Spanish market, and what are PRODEVAL’s objectives?
NB: PRODEVAL’s objective in Spain is to consolidate our position by gaining market confidence. In France and Italy, we have shown that when the market trusts PRODEVAL, we can achieve leadership and always offer the best technological solutions. We aim to replicate this success in Spain, working closely with our clients and adapting to the country’s specific needs.
Our goal is to be recognized as a leader in biomethane technology and as a trusted partner contributing to the sustainable development of the sector in Spain. We want to accompany the market’s evolution, facilitate the transition towards a cleaner and more efficient energy model, and position ourselves as a benchmark in the biomethane field.
AC: Unlike other European countries, Spain’s market for renewable gases such as biogas and biomethane is still in its infancy, although the potential is high. Based on your experience, what aspects do you consider key to accelerating its development?
NB: To accelerate the development of the renewable gases market in Spain, we consider it key to increase visibility and support at the government level. The public administration must promote more favorable policies and facilitate the conditions for managing digestate and connecting to natural gas networks.
In France, government support has been crucial for the sector’s takeoff, with clear incentives and a stable regulatory framework boosting investment and uptake of biogas and biomethane technologies. Spain has immense potential, and the country could experience significant growth in this sector with similar support. Furthermore, it is essential to encourage public-private partnerships to develop appropriate infrastructure and ensure that biomethane becomes an integral part of Spain’s energy matrix.
“Through the ALLIANCE project, we aim to develop the world’s first industrial production line of biogas upgrading and bio-CO2 liquefaction units.”
AC: Earlier, you told us that you already have several successful references in Spain. Could you tell us about some of these projects?
NB: We currently have one project in operation in Barcelona and nine projects under construction in various parts of Spain. Of these, we expect three to four to start injecting biomethane into the grid before the end of the year. These projects reflect our commitment to the Spanish market and our confidence in its growth potential. We are working closely with our local partners to ensure these facilities become benchmarks in the country’s biogas and biomethane sector.
“To accelerate the development of the renewable gas market in Spain, we see increased visibility and support at government level as key.”
AC: What is your vision for the sector’s future in Spain?
NB: The technology is mature, and the Spanish market is ready to take off. By 2030, Spain will have closed the gap with other European countries and will be positioned as one of the continent’s leading producers of renewable gas. With the proper support and commitment from industry players, Spain has the potential to become a benchmark in the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy.
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