A new 50MW biomass plant in Logrosan is converting forestry waste into 380GWh of dispatchable energy, bolstering grid stability and creating significant regional economic value.
Key Takeaways
- Acciona Logrosan’s new 50MW biomass plant converts forestry waste into 380GWh of renewable energy annually, enhancing grid stability.
- The plant prevents over 187,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year and relies on 275,000 metric tonnes of local biomass.
- Construction of the plant created 400 jobs, with around 30 ongoing jobs in operation and maintenance, supporting local economies.
- One-third of the plant’s income will feed back into the region, benefitting local services and supply chains.
- Acciona energía boasts 25 years of experience in the biomass sector, utilising advanced technologies for operational efficiency.
Acciona energía has commenced injecting renewable energy into the grid from its new 50MW biomass plant in Logrosan, Caceres. The facility is projected to produce 380GWh of electricity per year, which will prevent the emission of more than 187,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
The plant’s operation relies on an estimated annual consumption of 275,000 metric tonnes of biomass, sourced primarily from local forestry waste. The collection of this material contributes to active forest management by reducing the biomass load, thereby mitigating the risk and potential severity of wildfires in the region.
Economic Framework and Grid Stability
The Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge awarded Acciona the contract for the plant’s construction, operation, and maintenance. This was part of the third auction for the renewable energy economic regime, which secures a sale price for the electricity produced for a period of 20 years.
Biomass provides a dispatchable source of renewable energy, capable of continuous operation and responding to peak demand, which contributes to overall grid stability.
Regional Employment and Value Chain
The Logrosan plant created over 400 jobs during its construction phase and will support approximately 30 direct jobs in operation and maintenance, according to Acciona. The value chain will involve more than 900 contractors and small and medium-sized enterprises from the agroforestry and transport sectors. This includes around 200 direct jobs linked to the recovery of prunings and forestry waste.
It is estimated that one-third of the income generated by the plant’s activity will return directly to the region through local services, recruitment, and the purchase of supplies. Acciona energía has also initiated further projects to support socio-economic development, including the revitalisation of an olive oil cooperative, the installation of a photovoltaic self-consumption system for a livestock cooperative, and providing financial support for machinery purchases by biomass suppliers.
Operational Experience
Acciona energía has over 25 years of experience in the biomass sector, covering the entire value chain from design and construction to supply management and operations. The company utilises advanced technologies for monitoring, digital control, and predictive diagnostics to maximise energy efficiency and meet high environmental standards. The company first entered the sector in southern Europe with the commissioning of the Sangüesa biomass plant in 2002.
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