The common interests shared by Spain and Italy in many areas are attributable to numerous factors, including their physical proximity, similar climates, their Mediterranean heritage and cultural links. Yet in addition, these two countries also share many similar challenges and demands in the bioenergy sector. And it is perhaps because of all these factors that Expobioenergía ranks amongst the leading events that attract the interest of Italian companies operating in this sector. Proof of this is the fact that as of 31 January, Italian companies accounted for 31% of the total number of foreign exhibitors that had registered for Expobionergía.  AB-Energy, Biopoplar Ibérica, D’Alessandro Termomeccanica, Palazzetti Lelio Spa, Pezzolato and Turboden are just a few of the firms that have already confirmed their presence at the next edition. In order to strengthen relations with the Italian exhibitors and boost the fair’s brand image, a delegation from Expobioenergía visited the biennial Fieragricola Trade Fair, held in Verona between 4 and 7 February. This event, one of Italy's major agriculture trade fairs, includes a special bioenergy zone, in response to the sector's growing weight in the Italian economy. During their stay in Verona, the Expobioenergía delegation had the chance to visit and chat to many of the Italian exhibitors that will be present at the Spanish fair. This working trip also provided an opportunity to contact with potential exhibitors and to detect new markets.The reduced number of Spanish firms present at Fieragricola contrasted with the ample representation of German brands, most of whom are involved in biogas projects, a subsector that is experiencing steady growth and one that enjoys attractive public incentives for its development both in Germany and Italy. This contrasts sharply with the case of Spain, where current conditions in the biogas sector are far from competitive. Whilst Italy offers premiums of up to 0.28 euros for electricity production, in Spain biogas is sold to electricity companies for around 0.14 euros per kilowatt hour.  In addition, although the time periods involved in processing projects in countries such as Germany stand at around 2 months and 6 months in Italy, in Spain the bureaucratic procedures alone take over a year. The challenge for Spain in the biogas sector lies in reaching the level of implantation in countries such as Italy, which provide opportunities for the production of a renewable source of energy offering a twofold advantage: on the one hand, it provides a solution to highly contaminating livestock waste management, and on the other, provides local business opportunities based on clean energy. Rural development and environmental policies can no longer afford to overlook this alternative method of livestock and agricultural waste management that produces clean energy within the countryside. PHOTO: Palazzetti stand. Expobioenergía 2008.
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