The energy transition is also a matter of timing.
For many months, we have been hearing how Royal Decree-Law 18/2026 incorporates a novel step for the development of renewable energies—especially electricity, storage, and biomethane: the implementation of the Seal of Excellence, an instrument designed to recognize projects that provide greater environmental, social, and territorial value.
At IAM Carbonzero, we believe that having an objective, transparent system based on indicators is good news. Excellence must be measured using rigorous and verifiable criteria.
However, the recent decision to tender the methodological development of this seal to a specialized entity predictably implies a new process of design, validation, and implementation before it can become operational.
“Each phase provides guarantees. But each phase also adds time. If we want to accelerate biomethane, regulation must be as agile as the energy transition it pursues.”
And here our reflection arises: Spain needs to accelerate biomethane production to reduce emissions, strengthen its energy autonomy, and generate economic activity in rural areas. The regulatory framework of both the EU and Spain recognizes this urgency. However, each new administrative phase adds months to the calendar.
Meanwhile:
- Projects ready for construction remain stalled;
- Investments, employment, and opportunities for the territory are delayed;
- The problem of nitrate pollution and the fossil-based dependence of fertilizers continues to grow, as does our energy system’s reliance on fossil gas;
and all of this postpones biomethane’s contribution to decarbonization goals.
It is not about lowering standards—quite the opposite. It is about ensuring that the tools the regulation itself considers strategic are available within timeframes compatible with the urgency of the energy transition and market needs.
The sector has spent many months responding to public consultations, providing technical proposals, and collaborating with the Administration to build a solid regulatory framework. Now it is time to transform that work into fully operational instruments. The greatest challenge is no longer designing new tools. It is ensuring they arrive in time so that plants in Spain can start producing as soon as possible.
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