Solarig to invest over €300 million in Italy biomethane plants

Spanish renewable energy conglomerate Solarig has announced plans to invest more than EUR 300 million by the end of this decade to establish and operate over 20 biomethane plants across Italy.

Solarig held that the investment will be channelled through its biomethane-focused subsidiary, Biorig.

This initiative is part of the broader biomethane strategy of Solarig, which also includes the development of 20 similar facilities in Spain. The investments in the ongoing Spanish projects already exceeds €300 million. This has positioned Solarig as a key player in Europe’s transition to cleaner energy sources.

Biomethane, a renewable gas derived from organic waste such as food scraps and damaged crops, is gaining prominence as a sustainable energy alternative. Once operational, Solarig’s Italian plants are expected to produce up to 90 million cubic meters of biomethane annually. This volume equates to nearly 1 terawatt hour of energy—enough to meet the annual consumption needs of approximately 360,000 Italian households.

Manuel Alonso, Director General of Biorig, emphasized the strategic importance of the project. “Our goal is to become one of Europe’s leading biomethane producers. We aim to make biomethane a key growth pillar for Solarig alongside our ongoing renewable energy ventures,” he said.

With this move, Solarig not only strengthens its foothold in the European renewable sector but also supports Italy’s broader decarbonization goals, contributing to energy security and sustainable waste management through circular economy practices.

Solarig had set up a new division under the name of Biorig in July 2023 for the production of renewable gases. Solarig said that this new division specialises in the development and implementation of biomethane production plants – from the biogas generated in the anaerobic digestion of organic waste – in Europe.

Solarig has a solid position in the renewable energy segment. With a renewable energy project portfolio of more than 14 GW, Solarig is present in 16 countries with operations in Europe, Central and South America, Japan and Australia.