The plants will include biogas upgrading systems for biomethane production, close to 0.8 TWh annually, and CO2 liquefaction plants to recover and liquefy the CO2 from the anaerobic digestion process. The construction of two of the projects started in early 2025.
“We are proud to partner with Five Bioenergy on these two large-scale authorized biogas projects in Spain, with three more in the pipeline. With the combination of our extensive experience in anaerobic digestion technology and Five Bioenergy's commitment to sustainable waste management, we are confident that these facilities will set a new standard for large-scale biomethane production in Spain," says Sjaak Klein Gunnewiek Head of Sales Biogas Projects at HoSt Energy Systems.
Turnkey biogas plant configuration
Two of these plants, Milagros and Lorca are under construction today. The project scope for Milagros features three primary digesters and two after digesters; while in Lorca the project features six primary digesters and three after digesters.
All digesters are 40 meters in diameter and 8 meters high. The complete technology package will be delivered by HoSt, such as feeding systems, mixers, roofs, sensors, control system, local pipe and cable works, and heat exchangers. This last feature also ensures a stable degree in the digester tanks during the different climates in Spain.
To maximize renewable energy production, both projects include biogas upgrading and CO₂ liquefaction technology. These systems are provided by Bright Renewables. Together, the biogas upgrading systems will yield 28 million Nm3 of biomethane and the CO2 liquefaction systems will produce over 40,000 KG of liquid bio-CO₂ annually. The produced bio-CO₂ will be of food-grade quality.
With the construction of these large-scale anaerobic digestion facilities in Spain, HoSt and Five Bioenergy further advance sustainable energy production in the country. Combined, the two biogas plants will process annually up to 387,000 tons of agricultural residues including cow, sheep, and poultry manure, alongside expired food such as slaughterhouse waste and distillery waste. The feedstock is supplied by local farmers who get value for their waste as the digestate, the digested matter, from the biogas plant is converted into biofertilizer.
Furthermore, the plants will incorporate a technology to recover osmotic water, which is used in the AD process for dilution. Avoiding the necessity of using clean water, a scarce resource highly controlled by the Spanish government.
"The development of these plants aligns with the decarbonization ambitions of Spain. By 2030 the country hopes to achieve a biomethane production of 20 TWh/y. Moreover, Spain has one of the largest untapped feedstock potentials in Europe, making it a highly promising market for the biogas industry. Collaborating with Five Bioenergy on these projects has felt like working with colleagues, strengthening our friendship, and building a true partnership. Which reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and decarbonization ambitions," says José Gross Godoy, Regional Manager Biogas at HoSt Energy Systems.
Collaboration with Five Bioenergy
Five Bioenergy, part of Five E, chose HoSt Energy Systems for its vast experience and highquality technology. Before project completion, future plant operation managers will follow an intensive course of multiple weeks in the Netherlands at one of HoSt's own biogas facilities.
Technical operators will be trained by local schools and during the hot and cold commissioning of the plants. This way, Five Bioenergy ensures the safety and controlled environment of the biogas plant. Five Bioenergy’s commitment aligns with the vision of Asterion, their financial partner, which supports investments that promote environmental stewardship and long-term resilience. This project is part of Five Bioenergy’s larger framework to establish multiple plants across Spain and Portugal in the coming years, addressing waste challenges while advancing the energy transition.
Advantages of anaerobic digestion
An advantage of anaerobic digestion is the utilization of the potential of unused waste and manure. These would typically decompose and emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Instead, the feedstock is processed in a closed reactor and converted into renewable energy in a controlled environment. With more than 30 years of experience and over 100 projects worldwide, HoSt is equipped to handle complex waste streams efficiently, ensuring maximum energy recovery with the lowest environmental impact
