As part of the European ALFA project, Sustainable Innovations and CycleØ successfully co-organised the last Mutual Learning workshop in Lleida on 22nd of May 2025, inviting stakeholders from the biogas and biomethane sectors. The event was sold out early and gave the opportunity to the attendees to knowledge exchange, discuss key challenges and opportunities, and be introduced to innovative technologies aimed at supporting the development of sustainable biomethane value chains across Europe.
The workshop began with a welcome from Pablo Morales, Communications Manager at Sustainable Innovations, and Jordi Berengué, General Director of CycleØ in Lleida. Carla Sebastiani, Business Development Manager at Sustainable Innovations, introduced the ALFA project, highlighting its focus on waste valorisation and biomethane production. David Fernández, Vice President of AEBIG, provided a detailed overview of the current landscape of biogas in Spain, addressing both the challenges and future opportunities in the sector.
Further contributions included presentations by Luca Zambelli and Elisabetta Quani, who shared best practices from Italy with a particular emphasis on the essential role of farmers in driving forward biogas initiatives. Nicolas Branchesi of GEA discussed strategies for digestate management, while Ricard Carreras from BETA Technological Center presented practical case studies that demonstrated successful implementation of technological innovations in biogas systems. Vendula Dolezalova of Sustainable Innovations concluded the presentation session with insights into ongoing initiatives focused on energy recovery from organic waste. 
A roundtable discussion followed, involving representatives from Sustainable Innovations, CycleØ, AEBIG, BETA Technological Center, and local livestock farmers, who shared practical experiences and perspectives on the implementation of biogas and biomethane solutions.
In the afternoon, participants joined a field visit to a biomethane grid injection plant operated by CycleØ in Vallfogona de Balaguer. The visit included a guided tour of the facility, a technical presentation, and an interactive Q&A session. Closing remarks emphasised the importance of biomethane technologies in contributing to Europe’s renewable energy goals and highlighted the role of such site visits in bridging the gap between research, policy, and on-the-ground implementation.
This Mutual Learning Workshop, being the last one of a 4-workshop series, represents an important step in the ALFA project’s efforts to support knowledge sharing, promote sustainable practices, and strengthen collaboration across its hubs, showcasing diverse approaches united by a shared vision.
