In the latest report from the Biomass Observatory for 2020, it has compiled 433 biomass heat networks, which represent about 383 MW of installed thermal power.
The progression of the implementation of biomass heat networks in our country is clearly positive; Since 2010, when the first 30 were inventoried, the number of facilities has multiplied by almost 15 to 433 located at the end of 2020, and to which we must add fifty in different stages of development.
In addition, three-quarters of all existing heat networks in the country run on biomass rather than using fossil fuels, which is a good support for the energy transition underway.
AVEBIOM has recently presented to the Government of Spain a project to promote the implementation of 100 new biomass heat networks in municipalities with less than 5.000 inhabitants in the next 2 years.
Report on heat networks with biomass 2020
Most of the biomass heat networks are located in rural areas, although the ones with the highest power are found in cities with between 50.000 and 300.000 inhabitants.
- 64,3% of the networks are located in towns with less than 5.000 inhabitants.
- 13% of the installations are in large towns, but they accumulate 44% of the total power.
In 2021, three heat networks in cities with more than 50.000 inhabitants could begin to provide service: Pamplona (Barrio de Txantrea); Vitoria / Gasteiz (District of Coronation); and Pontevedra (University of Vigo).
Most of the district heating uses forest wood chips, and 55 generate more than one GWh / year.
Only 4 networks are located in industrial estates to supply more than one user.