The Spanish biomethane market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with an estimated €7.5 billion investment projected for 2025–2026. Driven by the need to strengthen energy autonomy and meet European decarbonization targets, the sector is becoming a cornerstone of the energy transition. Additionally, the strength of Spain’s agri-food and livestock industries positions the country as a leader in converting organic waste into renewable gas.

This strong growth has accelerated interest from energy companies and investment funds in acquiring projects that already have Integrated Environmental Authorization (IEA), speeding up their market entry. However, this strategy involves inheriting technical decisions and supply models defined by third parties, which may not align with the efficiency standards or profitability goals of the new owner.

In this context, CT Ingenieros’ Technical Due Diligence is particularly relevant. This service rigorously analyzes the technical, operational, and regulatory consistency of projects before acquisition. By performing this review, investors can validate the project’s fundamentals, identify potential risks, and gain greater certainty about its long-term viability.

Beyond Paper: Real Risks After IEA Approval

Although having permits accelerates investment, a project’s proper functioning depends on whether the inherited design is truly feasible from a technical standpoint. It is essential to confirm that what is planned on paper can be executed when the plant begins operations.

“To secure the investment, it is critical to verify that the planned feedstock is actually available and that the mixture is suitable to produce the promised gas. It’s not enough that the numbers add up on paper—mass and energy balances must be realistic to achieve the expected performance,” says Antonio Sánchez Goya, Project Manager for Renewable Energy at CT. “It is also necessary to ensure that the administrative dossier is solid and free of risks that could block future operations.”

CT’s 360° Analysis: Critical Factors Determining Long-Term Viability

CT Ingenieros, with a strong track record in Industrial Plants and Energy, conducts independent technical evaluations focused on the factors that truly determine a project’s long-term viability. The Technical Due Diligence approach goes beyond document or administrative review—it is an in-depth analysis of the technical and regulatory foundations supporting plant operations.

Key aspects include:

• Optimization of feedstocks and balances: The analysis verifies the efficiency of the raw materials and confirms that projected biomethane production is achievable and sustainable.

• Strength of permitting (IEA): The authorization files and related licenses are audited, identifying potential risks and proposing technical solutions to avoid operational delays.

• Site suitability: Technical evaluation of plots includes geotechnical and urban planning risks, as well as confirming real feasibility of network connection.

• Process engineering and technology: The robustness of anaerobic digestion technology and upgrading systems is examined, allowing accurate predictions of plant efficiency and future CAPEX needs.

The goal is to provide investors with a clear, actionable view of the critical factors defining long-term asset viability, reducing uncertainty and enabling safer decisions. Through Technical Due Diligence, each biomethane plant transitions from being a mere administratively approved project to a technically validated, solid infrastructure aligned with real profitability expectations.