Turning Waste Into Green Energy: A Pioneering Initiative in the Basque Country Transforms Organic Waste Into Clean Biogas

The Artigas Biomethanisation Plant, situated within the Ecopark of Artigas in Bizkaia, marks a significant advancement in the Basque Country’s efforts to convert organic waste into a renewable energy source. Developed by METABARRI S.A., a public-private collaboration with 25% participation from the Basque Energy Agency (EVE), and supported by Garbiker, a public company responsible for waste management in Bizkaia, and PreZero, an international environmental services provider specialising in circular economy solutions. This facility highlights the region’s commitment to sustainable waste management and renewable energy production.

The plant is set to process up to 50,000 tonnes of organic waste annually, meeting the energy needs of approximately 6,000 homes while directly injecting clean, renewable biogas into the local natural gas network. This feature is still relatively rare in Europe, making the project a notable example of integrating biomethane production with existing energy infrastructure. This integration reduces reliance on fossil fuels, strengthens the region’s energy autonomy, and reinforces its environmental responsibility.

Sustainability, Innovation, and Economic Impact

Beyond its energy benefits, the Artigas plant significantly lowers the ecological footprint of organic waste by preventing methane emissions associated with landfill decomposition. By refining biogas into high-quality biomethane, the facility produces energy comparable to conventional natural gas but with a far lower carbon footprint, aligning with both the Basque Country’s and the European Union’s ambitious carbon reduction objectives.

A key innovation of the Artigas project is its seamless integration with the natural gas network, a feature that remains uncommon across Europe. Inspired by successful models in Germany and Sweden, the plant offers the flexibility to fuel local transportation, including public transit and private vehicle fleets. This multi-functional approach enhances the region’s sustainable mobility strategy and highlights the broader potential of biomethane.

Additionally, the plant’s construction and operation contribute to regional economic stability by creating local jobs and fostering a resilient energy supply. It has also become a source of community engagement, with educational programmes helping residents understand its environmental and economic benefits, inspiring further support for a sustainable, green transition.

A Scalable Model for Europe’s Energy Future

Currently under development, the plant is expected to start operations in early 2026. Its implementation will follow a phased approach: initially processing up to 35,000 tonnes of organic material annually before reaching its full 50,000-tonne capacity. This gradual expansion ensures maximum environmental impact while optimising long-term economic benefits over the plant’s 25-year concession period.

The Artigas Biomethanisation Plant stands as a model of forward-thinking sustainability for Europe, demonstrating how organic waste can be transformed into a local, clean energy source. With the potential for further expansion and replication, it serves as a valuable example for other European regions striving for energy independence and lower carbon emissions.

This best practice is extracted from our publication ‘Sustainable Regions in Action‘. Discover more best practices here!