Biomethane and CAP: Renewable Energy Serving Agriculture and Rural Development

At IAM Carbonzero, we firmly believe that the future of rural areas depends on a sustainable, innovative development model rooted in the territory. That is why we have decided to join the I+D Agro project by Cadena SER, an initiative that travels to different locations across Spain to highlight advances in sustainability, digitalization, and circular economy in the primary sector.

Our first stop was Teruel, where we participated in the I+D Agro SER Forum as part of the roundtable dedicated to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This meeting was an exceptional opportunity to share how the biomethane plants we develop, finance, and operate at IAM Carbonzero can be a driving force for transforming the Spanish countryside.

How does biomethane align with CAP objectives?

The new 2023–2027 CAP promotes a transition toward a more sustainable, resilient, and innovative agricultural model. Biomethane plants represent a concrete and effective response to many of the challenges the CAP addresses:

Emissions reduction and climate action (SO4): our plants capture methane, a gas with high warming potential, and transform it into renewable energy, preventing its release into the atmosphere.
Circular economy (SO5, SO9, SO12): we utilize agricultural and livestock waste to generate energy and high-quality biofertilizers, preventing soil and water contamination and improving the agronomic health of soils.
Rural revitalization (SO8): we create stable local employment (6 to 15 positions per operational plant and over 60 during construction), promoting investment and tax revenue in the municipalities where we operate.
Sector modernization (cross-cutting objective): our plants apply cutting-edge technology, digitalization, and demanding quality and safety standards, fostering the technological advancement of agriculture.

A Circular, Decentralized Model with Local Impact

With more than 13 projects under development, our facilities will enable:

Transformation of over 1.3 million tons of organic waste per year.
Production of over 600 GWh of green energy annually, equivalent to the consumption of more than 400,000 households.
Avoidance of over 300,000 tons of CO₂ per year.
Reuse of 100% of process water and generation of biofertilizers adapted to local needs, complying with regulations on vulnerable zones and sustainable fertilization.

Furthermore, we work side by side with farmers and livestock producers, who can be both suppliers of raw materials and beneficiaries of the biofertilizer generated. Our proposal always adapts to local particularities and the agronomic value of each waste stream.

Presence in the Territory: We Are Part of the Community

IAM Carbonzero does not simply arrive in a municipality to build a plant. We arrive to stay, generate shared value, and collaborate with the community for at least 25 years, which is the operational life of our facilities. This includes:

We establish our companies locally, which generates tax revenue for municipalities, enabling improvements in quality of life for residents.
Collaboration with cooperatives, agri-food companies, and public waste managers.
Participation in social projects and local revitalization.
Transparency and ongoing dialogue with local residents and producers.

Our Participation in I+D Agro SER

The series of forums organized by Cadena SER within the framework of the I+D Agro project is an excellent platform for showcasing best practices in the agricultural and livestock sector. At IAM Carbonzero, we particularly value the opportunity to connect with citizens, institutions, and businesses in the territory, sharing our experience and our vision for the future.

In addition to Teruel, we will be present in other locations that are part of this project’s itinerary, reinforcing our commitment to rural development.

📖 You can learn more details in the articles published by Cadena SER: