Surge in industrial biomass adoption
Catalonia's industrial sector consumed 652,500 tonnes of biomass in 2025, a 19% increase from the previous year, according to data from the Generalitat. The rise was driven by large factories in paper, food packaging, and chemical production switching from gas to biomass boilers, supported by European funding covering up to 30% of infrastructure costs. Industrial demand for biomass jumped 57% year-on-year, with 4,529 operational installations now generating a combined 574 megawatts. Catalonia ranks among Spain's top three regions for installed biomass capacity, reflecting national efforts to diversify renewable energy sources.
"The funds have been a key lever. Biomass offers stable pricing and helps companies avoid rising carbon and gas costs," said Magda Melció, board member of the Catalonia Bioenergy Cluster.
The sector now includes 365 companies generating €872 million in annual turnover, according to a study by the Generalitat's Acció agency.
Forest management struggles to keep pace
Despite growing energy demand, forest cleaning remains insufficient. Forests cover 65% of Catalonia, yet only about one-third of annual growth is cleared. The rest accumulates as dry undergrowth and deadwood, increasing wildfire risk. In summer 2025, 314 wildfires broke out, including a major blaze in les Gavarres that destroyed 2,400 hectares. A 2024 European Environment Agency report warns that climate change is extending fire seasons across Mediterranean regions like Catalonia. About 75% of the region's forests are privately owned by roughly 220,000 landholders, most of whom no longer live off the land. The workforce in forest management stands at just 3,000, many working seasonally in small firms or freelance. Low pay and tough conditions deter new entrants.
Government scales up prevention efforts
The new Catalan government, led by President Salvador Illa, has signed a protocol with the four provincial councils to triple the annual area of forest cleaned, from 418 to 2,000 hectares, under a plan published in August 2026.
"We will not cut a single euro from emergency spending," Illa stated, reaffirming the government's commitment to fire prevention.
The initiative aims to professionalise forest management and create rural jobs, but experts caution that long-term funding and workforce development are essential to match industrial demand with sustainable supply. Experts stress that biomass is only environmentally beneficial when low-grade wood is used for energy, while higher-quality timber goes to durable goods. Without better forest stewardship, Catalonia risks missing both climate and rural development goals.
Primary sources: mediambient.repositori.gencat.cat, govern.cat. Reported by russpain.com, elpais.com, qoshe.com, vozdemadrid.com, europapress.es, en.ara.cat.
