At the end of the first quarter of the year, in the midst of an international energy crisis, the need to find new supply sources is obvious. In the current circumstances, can renewables play the leading role that they deserve?

It is obvious that some countries with an energy mix that depends less on gas and oil are facing up to this crisis and will cope better with future adverse scenarios. In a situation like the present one, obviously, the search for alternatives is accelerating, and the gradual change to climate neutrality has also accelerated in recent months, thanks to renewables.

Also, this change to clean energy must be organised and produce a clear, viable roadmap within a reasonable time. We need to be able to count on legislation that is committed to a countrywide, stable and enduring energy plan.

What role does biomass play in the energy transition set by Europe?

Biomass is the major source of renewable energy in Europe. It currently contributes 60% of all renewable energy consumption in the EU, and 10.3% of total energy consumption. It is absolutely necessary in the transition to abandon fossil fuels, especially in sectors that need heat and in home heating.

In addition, biomass is an example of an effective circular bioeconomy; it forms part of a value chain with strong links to forestry activities and brings environmental and socio-economic benefits to rural areas. 

Biomass is a direct, safe and reliable investment for reaching the climate neutrality commitments set by the European Union, and, in this regard, in Galicia we are playing on our home ground.

One year after its creation, the Cluster has 23 companies associated with it and has already promoted 15 projects. What factors make Galicia a strategic region for the development of the biomass sector?

The first reason is the availability of the resource. More than 50% of national forestry use comes from Galicia, and the exploitation of biomass goes hand in hand with this important activity, both primary forestry biomass and the reuse of sub-products from the primary wood processing industry.

The second reason is the widely dispersed population of this region. This fact has obstructed and slowed down the implementation of piped gas networks.

Also, Galicia leads Spain in the consumption of domestic heating oil. There are many old boilers that could easily be transformed to run on biomass. This would provide a rapid and economical solution that would bring greater comfort and savings to the users.

The Xunta de Galicia is firmly committed to renewable energies. What importance does public-private cooperation have for driving the change to a new model?

In regards to the generation of thermal energy and domestic water heating, the biomass sector in Galicia is a national benchmark, and part of the credit goes to the Administration, which, with the 2014-2020 Biomass Strategy, set up lines of credit to promote the installation of highly efficient, latest generation equipment, which continues to add “green kw” year after year and to provide users with savings (especially in these times of crisis, when the savings are of 70% compared to fossil fuels). 

The Administration is still an essential driving force, preaching by example by turning to biomass and abandoning gas and fuel oil in public buildings.

For the biomass sector, the challenges are great. However, we consider that we are ready to provide the solutions for drawing up a new energy model, through the responsible consumption of 0 km energy and in line with sustainability criteria.

The Cluster is working on the sector’s strategic plan and also cooperating with the government of Galicia to implement the 2022-2027 Galicia Biomass Strategy. What are the main points of the plan?

The main purpose of the strategic plan is to be a roadmap for association for the next four years It includes the activities that will be implemented to promote biomass in Galicia, using 5 major strategic focuses that can be summed up as encouraging innovation and technological transfer in the sector; promoting cooperation between companies and the private sector; improving competitiveness by training human talent; recognising and raising awareness of biomass as a sustainable source of energy; and contributing to the sustainable development of Galicia through cooperation with the universities and research centres.

The 2022-2027 Biomass Strategy is being developed to continue the work that has been done to date, from the point of view of sustainability and digitising the entire chain. In this respect, we see clearly that, in order to drive change towards a new model, it is necessary for the Administration and the different sectors involved to work hand in hand.