Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of 9 September 2026, from the General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines |
|---|---|
| Publication | 25 September 2026 |
| Entry into force | 25 September 2026 |
| Main promoter | Redexis Infraestructuras, SL |
| Associated promoter | Desarrollos Bioenergéticos de Andalucía Los Cerros, SL |
| Location | Municipality of Úbeda (Jaén) |
| Affected pipeline | Linares-Villacarrillo (PK 40,413) |
| Maximum injection capacity | 1,280 Nm³/h of biomethane |
| Maximum operating pressure | 80 bar |
| Connection type | Direct branch on primary transport pipeline |
| Environmental assessment | Not required |
| CNMC Report | Favorable (July 2026) |
| Category | Energy / Renewable Gases |
| Year | 2026 |
The integration of biomethane into the natural gas transport network takes a concrete step in Andalusia. The General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines has granted Redexis Infraestructuras, SL administrative authorization and approval of the execution project to connect a biomethane production plant to the primary transport pipeline Linares-Villacarrillo, in the municipality of Úbeda (Jaén). The resolution, published on 25 September 2026 in the BOE (BOE-A-2026-19933), enters into force on the same day.
The project is promoted jointly with Desarrollos Bioenergéticos de Andalucía Los Cerros, SL, the company producing the biomethane that will be injected into the network. The CNMC issued a favorable report in July 2026 and the public information period received no objections.
What does this regulation establish?
The resolution authorizes the construction and commissioning of a new position (connection point) on the primary transport pipeline Linares-Villacarrillo, at PK 40,413, within the municipality of Úbeda. This position allows direct injection of biomethane produced by Desarrollos Bioenergéticos de Andalucía Los Cerros, SL, into the natural gas transport network managed by Redexis.
The authorized technical parameters are as follows:
| Technical parameter | Authorized value |
|---|---|
| Maximum injection flow | 1,280 Nm³/h |
| Maximum operating pressure | 80 bar |
| Connection type | Direct branch |
| Kilometer point (PK) | 40,413 of the Linares-Villacarrillo pipeline |
| Municipality | Úbeda (Jaén) |
The installation did not require environmental impact assessment, which significantly expedited the processing procedure. The report from the National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC), issued in July 2026, was favorable, and the public information period passed without objections from third parties.
Economic and operational impact
This authorization has direct implications for the gas and renewable energy sector actors in Spain:
- For Redexis Infraestructuras: expands its transport network with a renewable gas injection point, strengthening its positioning in the energy transition of the Spanish gas system.
- For Desarrollos Bioenergéticos de Andalucía Los Cerros, SL: obtains guaranteed access to the primary transport network to commercialize its biomethane production at industrial scale, with capacity of up to 1,280 Nm³/h.
- For the biomethane market in Spain: each new authorization for connection to the primary transport network consolidates the economic viability of biomethane production projects, by guaranteeing commercial outlet through existing infrastructure.
- For other biomethane producers: this project serves as a procedural reference: processing without environmental assessment, favorable CNMC report in a few months and absence of objections in public information.
Connection to a primary transport pipeline at 80 bar —as opposed to secondary distribution networks at much lower pressures— allows significantly larger injection volumes, making this type of project especially attractive for medium to large-sized biomethane plants.
Who does it affect?
- Redexis Infraestructuras, SL: holder of the authorization and responsible for the execution and operation of the new position on the pipeline.
- Desarrollos Bioenergéticos de Andalucía Los Cerros, SL: biomethane producing company that will inject renewable gas into the network through this connection.
- Biomethane producers in Spain: companies developing or planning biomethane plants with connection to natural gas transport networks.
- Gas transport network operators: operators processing or evaluating similar renewable gas integration projects.
- Investors and funds in energy infrastructure: the resolution confirms the favorable regulatory framework for this type of assets in Spain.
- Industrial sector in Jaén and Andalusia: natural gas consuming companies in the area that will be able to access gas with certifiable renewable component.
Practical example
Desarrollos Bioenergéticos de Andalucía Los Cerros, SL, produces biomethane at its plant located in the Úbeda (Jaén) area. Until now, without access to the primary transport network, the commercialization of that biomethane was limited to local networks of lower pressure or transport by tankers.
With the new position authorized at PK 40,413 of the Linares-Villacarrillo pipeline, the company can directly inject up to 1,280 Nm³/h of biomethane at 80 bar into the primary transport network. This is equivalent to accessing the wholesale natural gas market with a certifiable renewable product, with capacity to supply industrial consumers or traders at any point in the Spanish gas network.
The processing procedure —without environmental assessment and with favorable CNMC report in July 2026— demonstrates that well-structured projects can obtain authorization in reasonable timeframes, which is a useful reference for other promoters in the planning phase.
What should companies do now?
- Biomethane producers with projects in development: analyze this case as a procedural reference. The absence of environmental assessment and the speed of the CNMC report are indicators of the type of project that obtains agile processing.
- Companies planning to connect to primary transport networks: verify the technical requirements for pressure and flow that Redexis or other operators require, and size the production plant accordingly.
- Investors in biomethane: incorporate this authorization as a signal of regulatory maturity of the Spanish renewable gases market. The CNMC framework and the General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines are operational and issue resolutions.
- Industrial gas consumers in Jaén and Andalusia: contact traders to explore supply contracts with certified biomethane from the network, taking advantage of the new injection capacity available in the area.
- Distribution network operators: review whether similar projects in their area of influence can be processed under the same regulatory scheme, without the need for environmental assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How much biomethane can Redexis inject into the Linares-Villacarrillo pipeline?
The authorization allows injection of up to 1,280 Nm³/h of biomethane at a maximum pressure of 80 bar, through a direct branch at PK 40,413 of the primary transport pipeline Linares-Villacarrillo, in Úbeda (Jaén).
Who produces the biomethane that will be injected into the Úbeda pipeline?
The biomethane is produced by Desarrollos Bioenergéticos de Andalucía Los Cerros, SL, a company that promotes the project jointly with Redexis Infraestructuras, SL. The latter is the holder of administrative authorization and responsible for the connection infrastructure.
Was an environmental impact assessment necessary for this project?
No. According to the resolution published on 25 September 2026, the project did not require environmental assessment. Additionally, the public information procedure received no objections, which facilitated agile processing.
What body supervised and approved the project before authorization?
The National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC) issued a favorable report in July 2026. Final authorization was granted by the General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines through a resolution of 9 September 2026.
Since when is this authorization in force?
The authorization entered into force on the same day of its publication in the BOE: 25 September 2026 (reference BOE-A-2026-19933).
Official source
Consult complete regulation in official source
Notice: This article is purely informational in nature and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-19933
