TECNALIA Develops and Patents a Reactor to Increase Biomethane Production

April 24, 2026

Print This Article Share it With Friends

(TECNALIA (Google Translation)) • The multichannel reactor has already been successfully tested in a pilot plant using real biogas from a wastewater treatment plant, demonstrating that the technology works under near-industrial conditions.

This technology, adaptable to any industrial installation, positions TECNALIA as one of the few European centers capable of offering advanced solutions that strengthen the competitiveness of biomethane and synthetic natural gas.
These energy vectors are fully compatible with the natural gas network, and have become key renewable gases for decarbonizing sectors that are difficult to electrify.

The applied research and technological development center TECNALIA has developed and patented a multi-channel reactor that allows for the direct production of synthetic natural gas from biogas through the conversion of its CO2 content. This system improves the overall efficiency of the upgrading process , achieving a methane concentration at the outlet exceeding 95% in a single step.

This technology positions TECNALIA as one of the few European centers capable of offering advanced solutions for the valorization of CO₂ from biogas, increasing the methane content of the final gas and reinforcing the competitiveness of synthetic natural gas as a renewable gas fully compatible with the grid.

This reactor, designed to intensify the methanation reaction of CO₂ present in biogas, is based on a millimeter architecture that provides heat and mass transfer coefficients far superior to those of conventional reactors, preventing the formation of hot spots and allowing stable operation even under dynamic conditions.
Furthermore, its modular design facilitates scaling through replication, making it a solution adaptable to both small-scale plants and industrial facilities.
The reactor has been validated in a pilot plant at TRL6, which measures its technological maturity, demonstrating high efficiency, a fast response to flow variations and almost total utilization of the raw material, achieving a synthetic natural gas of sufficient quality to be injected directly into the natural gas network.
TECNALIA has demonstrated the viability of the reactor by collaborating with companies such as Lointek, Repsol, Petronor, and Awaes (Tedagua).

Key energy vector

Both biomethane and synthetic natural gas have become key energy carriers for advancing the decarbonization of sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as industry, heavy transport, and process heat. Their ability to be directly integrated into existing gas infrastructure makes them an immediate and scalable solution within the energy transition.

It is estimated that by 2030, Spain will reach a production potential of up to 137 TWh per year, which is equivalent to 40% of the country's current natural gas consumption, positioning biomethane as a strategic way to reduce energy dependence and strengthen energy security by reducing emissions.
The production of biomethane and/or synthetic natural gas from agricultural, livestock, urban or industrial waste allows the transformation of waste streams into a renewable gas that is fully compatible with existing infrastructure, contributing to the circular economy, the development of rural areas and energy autonomy.
Furthermore, its manageable nature makes it a very attractive complement to renewable electricity, providing flexibility to the energy system.
Initiatives such as REPowerEU have set ambitious targets to accelerate their deployment, recognizing their role in energy independence and emissions reduction. READ MORE

Related articles

The use of CO₂, key to accelerating industrial decarbonization and the circular economy in Spain (TECHNALIA (Google Translation))

Excerpt from TECHNALIA:

The Naturgy Foundation has brought together administrations, companies and technology centers at the presentation of the study prepared by TECNALIA that analyzes the potential of CO₂ as a strategic resource for industrial sectors that are difficult to electrify
Experts from the institutional, technological, and industrial sectors agree on the need for a clear regulatory framework and demonstration projects.

The use of captured carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a raw material for new industrial processes is emerging as a key tool for advancing the decarbonization of the economy and strengthening the competitiveness of the industrial sector. This is one of the main conclusions of the study ' CO₂ Utilization ', prepared by the applied research and technological development center TECNALIA and presented today (April 9, 2026) at a conference organized by the Naturgy Foundation, which brought together representatives from public administration, industry, and the technology sector.

The report analyzes in depth the role of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies as an essential complement to electrification and energy efficiency, especially in industrial sectors that are difficult to decarbonize, such as refining, the chemical industry, the gas sector, and construction materials. In this context, the study proposes a paradigm shift by considering CO₂ not only as a waste product, but as a strategic resource capable of generating economic, environmental, and industrial value.

Throughout its various chapters, the document examines the European and national regulatory context shaping the development of these technologies. At the European level, it highlights the impetus provided by initiatives such as the Industrial Carbon Management Strategy and the climate targets for 2040 and 2050, which aim to capture up to 280 million tons of CO₂ in 2040 and 450 million tons in 2050. In the case of Spain, the report emphasizes that, although CCU technologies are recognized in strategic plans such as the PNIEC (National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan), further progress is still needed towards a clearer and more specific regulatory framework that facilitates their deployment on an industrial scale.

The study also provides a detailed analysis of the technological maturity of the main CO₂ utilization pathways. These include the production of synthetic fuels—such as methanol, synthetic natural gas, and e-fuels—; the manufacture of sustainable chemicals—such as urea, polyols, and polycarbonates—; and the mineralization of CO₂ for use in construction materials. These solutions not only reduce emissions but also promote a circular economy and sustainable reindustrialization.

Another key aspect of the report is the identification of specific opportunities for Spanish industry. The document highlights the potential of creating regional clusters that bring together CO₂ emitters, transport infrastructure, and potential industrial uses, fostering synergies between energy companies, energy-intensive industries, technology centers, and public administrations. This approach would accelerate demonstration projects and reduce costs, while positioning Spain as a key player in the circular carbon economy.

In conclusion, the study highlights that the use of CO₂ is both a technological solution and a long-term industrial strategy . Its development requires a combination of innovation, investment, public-private collaboration, and stable regulatory policies. With the right framework, these technologies can become a key pillar for achieving European climate objectives and generating new opportunities for economic growth and quality employment.

The report was presented by Soraya Prieto Fernández , Director of Circularity at TECNALIA, who explained that the document offers a complete overview of the current state of CO₂ capture and utilization technologies, as well as the challenges that still need to be overcome for their large-scale implementation.
Prieto emphasized that the study not only analyzes technological feasibility but also the regulatory, economic, and market factors that influence the deployment of these solutions. He also highlighted the need to promote pilot and demonstration projects to validate the technologies in real-world environments and accelerate their industrial scaling.
The subsequent discussion, moderated by Paula María Álvarez , Economics editor specializing in Business and Energy at El Mundo, addressed the main challenges and opportunities presented by the use of CO₂ from a multi-sectoral perspective. During the debate, the importance of aligning public policies, technological innovation, and private investment was highlighted.
In this context, Eduardo González Fernández , Deputy Director General for Climate Change Mitigation at the Spanish Office for Climate Change (MITERD), highlighted the role that public administrations must play in creating a favorable regulatory environment that incentivizes these technologies and allows Spain to meet its climate commitments. “The European regulatory framework for carbon capture, storage, and utilization is already in place, with defined directives and regulations that Member States must comply with and that align with the goal of climate neutrality. In this context, CO₂ is positioned as a strategic resource, especially for the development of synthetic fuels,” he stated.
González Fernández highlighted instruments such as the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) and the 2050 Long-Term Strategy, which place these technologies at the forefront, supported by financing mechanisms such as the European Regional Development Plan (PERTE) for decarbonization and the European Innovation Fund, while pilot projects are beginning to be developed in the industrial sector. However, the Deputy Director General for Climate Change Mitigation at the Spanish Office for Climate Change stated that “the main challenge remains the cost, given the wide variety of available solutions, from advanced technologies to more economical natural solutions. Therefore, it is necessary to prioritize the most cost-effective options and support their development. In this process, the government has a key role to play in guiding and supporting, but the final impetus will depend on industry's capacity to innovate, collaborate, and seize new strategic opportunities, making decarbonization a real driver of economic growth and employment.”
From a business perspective, Jesús Chapado , Director of Innovation at Naturgy, focused on the role of innovation and public-private partnerships as key elements for the development of CO₂ utilization projects. In his presentation, he emphasized that these solutions allow progress in decarbonization while maintaining industrial competitiveness.
Chapado also emphasized the importance of leveraging existing infrastructure and accumulated knowledge in sectors like gas to accelerate the implementation of technologies based on the circular carbon economy. “Given the limitations of the gas network, we are committed to converting it into synthetic natural gas by combining it with hydrogen, a technology that is very close to becoming an industrial reality. However, there are still significant barriers, especially in regulatory harmonization, administrative processes, and social acceptance, although costs are beginning to approach competitive levels.”
For his part, José Luis Elejalde , Director of Energy, Climate, and Urban Transition at TECNALIA, emphasized the transformative potential of CCU technologies to generate new value chains and strengthen industrial and energy autonomy. Elejalde stressed that “the use of CO₂ must be understood as part of a broader energy transition strategy, in which technological innovation and cooperation between industry, research centers, and government are essential.”
The debate was completed with the vision of the construction materials sector, presented by Mariano García Hoyos , Director of Sustainability at Holcim Spain, who addressed the role of CO₂ mineralization and its use in new materials as an effective way to reduce the sector's carbon footprint.
García Hoyos pointed out that these solutions allow progress towards more sustainable construction, while generating products with greater durability and a lower environmental impact, thus contributing to decarbonization and circular economy goals. “The sector must find a balance between sustainability and competitiveness in an environment of strong international competition and increasing infrastructure needs. To move forward, it is essential to have a stable environment that facilitates investment, with public support, CAPEX subsidies, and a CO₂ price that guides industrial decisions.”
During the opening of the event, María Eugenia Coronado , CEO of the Naturgy Foundation, highlighted the Foundation's role as a forum for reflection and dialogue among the various stakeholders involved in the energy transition. In her address, she emphasized the importance of approaching industrial decarbonization from a holistic perspective, combining technical rigor, a long-term vision, and intersectoral dialogue.

In this regard, Coronado emphasized the importance of studies like the one presented, which contribute to generating knowledge and conveying to society as a whole the potential of innovative solutions such as CO₂ utilization. “This report addresses a key issue within the energy transition, in a context marked by increasingly demanding climate objectives. It analyzes capture and storage technologies in depth, allowing us to assess their current level of development and application. Furthermore, it is not limited to the technical aspects, but also incorporates fundamental elements such as the regulatory framework necessary to promote investment and the conditions that enable effective implementation. Ultimately, the goal is to deepen our understanding of these technologies and to grasp where we currently stand in their development and deployment.”

Naturgy Foundation

The Naturgy Foundation's activities include transferring specialized knowledge about new energy technologies and the keys to the transition to a more sustainable energy system, as well as promoting environmental preservation and responsible energy consumption. Established in 1992 by the energy company, it also develops social action programs, focusing particularly on initiatives to alleviate energy vulnerability, as well as a leading educational program on energy and professional training to improve employability in the sector and contribute to the promotion of green jobs. READ MORE