Biotechnology as a Driver of Innovation in the Energy Sector

1949, February 14 was established as World Energy Day to raise awareness about the importance of using energy resources responsibly and efficiently, ensuring they come from clean and renewable sources. While energy consumption is not the sole cause of pollution, it is directly linked to greenhouse gas emissions associated with climate change.

According to the latest report by the International Energy Agency, fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal account for more than 70% of global energy supply. These fuels, according to the United Nations, are responsible for over 75% of total global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions.

Biotechnology plays a crucial role in the development of new sustainable energy sources. It has enabled the production of biofuels from algae, used oils, and agricultural waste. Through various processes, biotechnology has also made it possible to generate biogas as an energy source and to use organic matter to produce heat and electricity via biomass. We analyze some of these examples on this World Energy Day alongside several AseBio partners.

Circular Bioeconomy, Biomass Valorization, and Renewable Energy Integration

José Carlos Quintela, Vice President and co-founder of Natac, a leading biotechnology company specializing in natural ingredients and innovative solutions for health and wellness, explains: "We are working on new manufacturing models based on the concept of a dynamic and intelligent biorefinery. This allows us to optimize energy efficiency by adjusting each process in real time to minimize energy consumption and waste generation. We apply a cascading model, maximizing the use of agro-food biomass to extract multiple compounds without generating waste. Additionally, we integrate renewable energy sources, such as agrivoltaics in solar parks, and optimize thermal flows to reduce our carbon footprint."

Quintela highlights the importance of the circular economy as the foundation of their activities, which has allowed them to reduce waste, optimize resources, and minimize environmental impact. "Through dynamic biorefining, we transform agro-food biomass into healthy ingredients, ensuring a cascading use of raw materials. We also integrate renewable energy sources, such as agrivoltaics, combining agricultural and solar production to maximize land efficiency. This sustainable approach not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels but also drives green reindustrialization in Extremadura."

Natac emphasizes the significance of the SUSTAINEXT project, led by the company and funded by the Horizon Europe - Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) program. This initiative aims to transform Natac's plant in Hervás into a NetZero biofactory, making it the world’s most modern, digital, innovative, and sustainable extraction plant, positioning the company at the forefront of the global sector.

"The CBE-JU is promoting this initiative to serve as a demonstrative example for European industries, proving that the circular bioeconomy, biomass valorization, and renewable energy integration can coexist efficiently and sustainably. This innovative model aligns with the European Green Deal and aims to demonstrate that a competitive industry is possible without compromising the planet. SUSTAINEXT aspires to become a benchmark, inspiring the future of bioindustry in Europe," Quintela adds.

The Development of Bio-Batteries to Reduce Pollution in the Healthcare Sector

In 2023, Spain’s healthcare sector generated more than 650 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, accounting for 0.4% of the country's total emissions, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics. Electricity, gas, and steam supply activities contribute the most to these emissions.

One key area of focus is health biosensors—devices that detect and monitor biological parameters, providing crucial health information. Ana Ayerdi, a health researcher at TECNALIA, Spain’s largest applied research and technology development center, explains:
"One of the biggest challenges in this field is ensuring biosensors have the autonomy to take continuous measurements. To be truly effective, these devices must operate autonomously for extended periods without frequent human intervention."

Bio-batteries have emerged as a promising solution to this challenge. "Bio-batteries store and release energy through metabolic processes carried out by bacteria or enzymes, which break down raw materials (such as glucose) and release protons and electrons. In other words, they use biological elements as an energy source, hence their name."

"By harnessing metabolic processes," Ayerdi continues, "these batteries can generate a constant energy supply from raw materials like glucose. This not only extends the autonomy of biosensors but also reduces the need to replace or recharge traditional batteries. TECNALIA is developing new energy sources for integration into healthcare and diagnostic products (both in vitro and in vivo)."

Spain’s Role in Leading the Shift Towards New Energy Vectors

"Europe has fallen behind in the energy sector, particularly in photovoltaic technologies and lithium batteries. We must lead the transition through new energy vectors, such as biofuels, green hydrogen, and CO₂ transformation processes. Spain is well-positioned to develop capabilities in alternative resources, manufacturing, and recycling across a wide range of energy technologies," states Julia García-Montaño, Head of the Circular Economy and Decarbonization Department at Leitat, Europe's oldest technology center and a leading institution at both national and European levels.

As a technology transfer agent, Leitat supports the industry’s transition to sustainable energy, focusing on energy production from clean and renewable sources such as biomass, CO₂ utilization, and the development of more sustainable energy storage systems.

For the near future, Leitat identifies bio, photo, and electrochemical technologies as essential for advancing a decarbonized economy. Key areas include:

• Green hydrogen production as a crucial energy vector
• CO₂ conversion into fuels and bulk chemicals
• Biomethanization of organic waste to generate clean energy
• Advanced battery technologies to improve transportation electrification, ensure the safe use of intermittent renewable energies, and support the energy transition

Leitat is actively engaged in several projects aimed at energy efficiency, including:

• X-SEED (development of new supercritical electrolyzers for more efficient hydrogen production)
• Fuels-C (technologies for the valorization of biogenic waste and CO₂ into biofuels)
• RESTORE and BATRAW (new methods for improving battery recycling)
• AM4BAT (development of safer solid-state batteries)
• ZABAT (more sustainable zinc-based batteries)

These initiatives position Spain as a leader in the shift toward sustainable energy technologies and industrial decarbonization.