Margarita de Gregorio: "In 20 years, Spain could become a European leader in biocircularity, with a consolidated biomass market."

The circular economy, when applied to biomass, can drive decarbonization in critical sectors such as aviation. Spain has the potential to be a European leader, but it needs a strategic plan to overcome the barriers.

Biocircularity represents an innovative and sustainable solution to advance in the energy transition, as it can close productive cycles by using organic waste from agriculture, livestock, and the agri-food industry. It generates vital resources such as biofuels, biogas, and bio-based products. However, Spain, despite being the third country in the EU in terms of biomass potential, ranks eighth in bioenergy production. 

To understand how administrations, companies, and research centers are working together to leverage this potential, we spoke with Margarita de Gregorio, general secretary of the Spanish Technology and Innovation Platform in Biocircularity (BIOPLAT); CEO of the Spanish Association of Biocircularity (BIOCIRC); technical secretary of the European Alliance for excellence in sustainable bioenergy (EERA Bioenergy); and, as of this year, president of the Alliance for the Sustainability of Air Transport (AST).

Question. What is biocircularity? And what are the challenges for implementing it in the context of the energy transition?
Answer. Biocircularity is the renewable part of the circular economy. It means closing production cycles using organic biomass from sources such as agriculture, livestock, mountains, and agro-food industries. These wastes or by-products are turned into resources for generating energy, fuels, or bio-based products. From BIOPLAT, we are working on technological solutions to reuse this organic matter. In addition, the Spanish Biocircularity Association addresses the necessary regulations and policies to implement these technologies, involving companies and public administrations in the process.

Q. How are you working to bring about these technologies and adapt them to market needs?
A. From BIOPLAT and BIOCIRC, we are focused on diversifying the energy transition beyond electrification. Biocircularity complements current renewable technologies, such as photovoltaic and wind energy, with solutions to decarbonize sectors such as transport, heat, and cold. We are committing to renewable gases, biofuels and synthetic fuels. With mature and competitive technologies, we are aiming to integrate these solutions into political agendas to accelerate the transition towards sustainable energy.

Q. Is Spain well positioned on biocircularity? What are the main regulatory and market challenges?
A. Spain is eighth in the EU in bioenergy, despite being the third country in biomass potential. Our challenge is to transform this resource into an economic and social pillar, taking advantage of its regional distribution. Biocircularity generates industry, from biomass supply to product marketing. We need confidence and a regulatory framework that supports renewable gases, biofuels, and bio-based products. Sustainability is key. Our operations meet strict sustainability criteria and require a social license to operate, ensuring they are integrated into local communities.

Q: As the technical secretary of EERA Bioenergy, what role does European research play in the development of sustainable bioenergy?
A. The EERA Bioenergy coordinates universities and research centers of excellence in the EU to promote biocircularity technologies. We prioritize R&D projects that scale technologies such as sustainable fuels for aviation and biomethane. However, we need long-term financing, between 8 and 12 years, for these technologies to mature and be implemented on a large scale. Our strategy is to promote innovation to industrialize the energy transition, ensuring competition and reducing external dependence.

Q. What are the objectives in the production of biomethane and sustainable aviation fuels?
A. Europe must produce 35 bcm (cubic kilometers) of biogas and biomethane by 2035. In addition, the Refuel Aviation program establishes that 2% of aviation fuel must be sustainable by 2025, increasing to 20% by 2035. To meet this goal, we need to scale technologies and facilities within Europe. If we fail to do so, we must import these fuels, losing opportunities for industrial development and competitiveness. Therefore, we prioritize technological solutions and regulations that ensure sustainable and efficient production in our territory.

Q: Is that the main challenge that Europe has on the table?
A. The biggest challenge is to achieve the ambitious goals set in initiatives such as Repower Europe and Refuel Aviation, which stem from the Fit for 55 package. To achieve this, we must be able to generate the necessary renewable resources within Europe. If we don't, we could lose our industry, competitiveness, and depend on other countries. The ecological and energy transition must be led by European industries, utilizing our renewable resources in our own industries. This strategic vision is critical for both BIOPLAT and BIOCIRC and aims to consolidate a sustainable and independent model.

Q. Focusing the analysis on the aviation sector, what technological changes are essential for its decarbonization?
A. The airline industry is highly committed to decarbonizing. Efforts are focused on three main areas: efficient flight operations, circularity in materials and waste, and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). The latter has the greatest potential for decarbonization. SAF can be biologically or synthetically sourced, advancing towards a target of 70% blending with kerosene by 2050. Spain has a strategic position to lead this transition, and we are working on public-private collaborations to take advantage of this potential.

Q. Recently, you collaborated on a report with Moeve and other entities. What are the main conclusions?
A. The report highlights the need for a national-level SAF action plan. Spain has the resources and capabilities to be the largest producer of SAF in Europe. As I mentioned before, the purpose of the Refuel Aviation is to go from 2% blending in 2023 to 70% in 2050. The report warns that Spain must act with agility to incentivize a second wave of investments to meet the demand for SAF beyond 2030. It shows how countries in our environment are taking positions. Spain cannot be left behind. The key is to align ministries, autonomous communities, and industrial actors to achieve a national strategy that positions Spain as a leader in biocircularity.

Q. The biggest trend at the moment is Artificial Intelligence. How is this technology impacting biocircularity projects?
A. That's true. AI is here now, and it has a positive impact on the efficiency and competitiveness of our processes. In programs such as Horizonte Europe, more and more projects are incorporating artificial intelligence, which accelerates learning and improves our technologies. In BIOCIRC, we have adopted an integrative vision that covers from biomass raw materials to technological processes. We are certain that AI will bring value to the sector, helping us move towards a more efficient and sustainable future.

Q. What barriers is biocircularity facing in its development at this time?
A. The biggest barrier is conceptual. The energy transition is viewed as synonymous with electrification, excluding other solutions. It is essential to understand that the transition must be inclusive and integrative, advancing in parallel with various solutions. We need political and social support to turn biocircularity solutions into environmental and socio-economic pillars. Spain has the resources and technologies. The only thing missing is a strong commitment to biocircularity.

Q. How does society view these solutions?
A. Biological-based solutions have considerable social acceptance. For example, it is easy to understand that natural gas can be replaced by renewable gas without changing boilers. This leads to greater social acceptance. In addition, separating organic matter in households and properly managing used cooking oils is critical to harnessing these resources to generate biogas and second-generation fuels. Making these closed cycles visible can integrate it into society and enhance biocircularity.

Q: What can we expect in Spain for the coming decades?
A. Our vision is for biocircularity to become a core driver of the Spanish GDP, integrating existing and future industries. In 20 or 30 years, Spain could become a leader in biocircularity in Europe, with a consolidated market of biomass and mature technological solutions. This would not only strengthen the energy field but also generate value in the environment, local economies, and society. We are committed to this goal and firmly believe it is achievable.