Magnon, Ence’s renewable energy subsidiary and Spain’s leading manager of forestry and agricultural biomass, is strengthening its energy services business by adding Transa (Transformaciones Agrícolas de Badajoz, S.A.), a food company specialising in tomato processing, to its portfolio of industrial clients.

Magnon will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the new biomass facility at Transa’s site in Villanueva de la Serena, Badajoz, as well as the supply of SURE-certified sustainable biomass. The facility will have an estimated annual output of nearly 35 GWhₜ, and its boiler will use sustainable, locally sourced biomass supplied by Magnon.

The project will avoid more than 7,400 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year. It will also harness Extremadura’s agroforestry resources to produce renewable energy for local industry, reinforcing the project’s local credentials and its contribution to the circular economy.

Biomass: a renewable and competitive alternative to gas

Against a backdrop of rising and volatile natural gas prices, biomass offers industry a renewable alternative with greater cost stability for the decarbonisation of thermal processes.

This energy source is particularly well suited to generating the heat required by many industrial processes that are difficult to electrify. Its use reduces fossil fuel consumption and the costs associated with CO₂ emissions allowances, while limiting companies’ exposure to fluctuations in energy markets.

The energy recovery of agricultural and forestry residues also supports the circular economy, generates economic activity in rural areas and helps prevent the environmental risks arising from their abandonment or uncontrolled burning.

Magnon: a leader in industrial decarbonisation

The Transa contract joins Magnon’s growing portfolio in the food and beverage sector. Its flagship projects include Mahou San Miguel’s biomass plant in Alovera, Guadalajara, which was designed, built and is operated by Magnon, and was commissioned in September 2026.

Located at Spain’s largest brewery, the facility has two boilers with a combined thermal capacity of 20 MW and produces more than 85,000 MWh of renewable thermal energy each year. The progressive replacement of natural gas with biomass will reduce the site’s direct CO₂ emissions by up to 95%.

Magnon is also developing two biomass plants for Lactalis at its production sites in Villarrobledo, Albacete, and Granada. Together, the facilities will produce approximately 80 GWhₜ annually and support the food company’s industrial decarbonisation strategy.

Target: 2,000 GWh of renewable thermal energy by 2030

Magnon aims to achieve an output of 2,000 GWh through its energy services business by 2030. Through projects for Transa, Mahou San Miguel and Lactalis, the company is consolidating a model that combines industrial decarbonisation, competitiveness and the sustainable use of agroforestry resources.

La entrada Magnon strengthens its energy services business with a new contract to support the decarbonisation of the food sector in Extremadura se publicó primero en Ence.

Ence will place innovation at the heart of the annual shutdown, in which it will invest more than €13 million. The company will focus on advancing automation and deploying AI-based advanced control systems to optimise operations, speed up real-time decision-making and maximise the reliability of the facilities.

These measures will help improve the plant’s operational efficiency, raise industrial safety standards and enhance the environmental performance of its processes, reaffirming Ence’s commitment to innovation and excellence within the sector.

Commitment to the local economy

The initiative also strengthens Ence’s commitment to the socio-economic development of Pontevedra and the surrounding area by creating employment and new opportunities for local businesses. The arrival of these professionals will also boost activity in related sectors, including hospitality and accommodation.

This impact will be further enhanced by the involvement of a significant number of Galician contractors, helping to spread the benefits of the project across the region. Ence also regards the annual maintenance shutdown as an integral part of its management model, which is founded on continuous improvement, innovation, environmental excellence and strong ties with the local community.

La entrada Ence strengthens its commitment to innovation during the annual maintenance shutdown at its Pontevedra biofactory se publicó primero en Ence.

Mahou San Miguel, a 100 per cent Spanish family-owned drinks company and the leader in the country’s beer sector, this morning inaugurated a biomass plant at its factory in Alovera (Guadalajara) that will enable it to reduce the production centre’s direct CO₂ emissions by up to 95 per cent, thanks to the gradual replacement of natural gas with renewable thermal energy from biomass.
The project has been designed, built and operated by Magnon, Ence’s renewable energy subsidiary and Spain’s leading agroforestry biomass management company, and has received funding under the first round of grants awarded by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism as part of the PERTE programme for industrial decarbonisation.

The biomass plant at the Alovera brewery – the largest in the Spanish brewing sector – reinforces the role of Mahou San Miguel and Magnon, Ence’s renewable energy subsidiary, as drivers of an increasingly efficient, competitive and sustainable industry.

It also marks a milestone in Mahou San Miguel’s progress towards the decarbonisation targets set out in its ‘Compartimos Futuro’ sustainability roadmap, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire value chain by 2050. For its part, with this initiative, Magnon reaffirms its position as a leader in industrial decarbonisation thanks to its expertise in the design, implementation, operation and maintenance of renewable industrial heat projects such as the one it has carried out for Mahou San Miguel.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from various institutions, partners and senior executives from Mahou San Miguel and Ence. Among other prominent figures were Emiliano García-Page, President of the Regional Government of Castile-La Mancha; Jordi Hereu, Minister for Industry and Tourism; and Maria Purificación Tortuero, Mayor of Alovera, who took the opportunity to highlight the role of public-private partnership in accelerating the decarbonisation of Spanish industry.

“At Mahou San Miguel, we believe that leading a sector also means driving its transformation. As the brewing company with the largest industrial footprint in Spain, we have a responsibility to continue promoting a growth model that combines competitiveness, innovation and sustainability,” said Alberto Rodríguez-Toquero, managing director of Mahou San Miguel. “The opening of this plant embodies this approach to our business and reinforces the role of the Alovera factory as a benchmark for the sector at European level, not least because of the value it generates for the local community and society,” he added.

“At Magnon, Ence’s renewable energy subsidiary, we are firmly committed to developing comprehensive solutions for a decarbonised industry. The commissioning of this plant in Alovera confirms the potential of biomass to decarbonise industrial processes that are difficult to electrify,” said Lidia Roca, managing director of Magnon Servicios Energéticos. “By using a renewable, locally sourced resource, we are helping our customers reduce their emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, whilst also helping to strengthen Spain’s strategic autonomy,” she added.

17,000 tonnes less CO₂ per year
With the plant now operational, the Alovera factory is reducing its reliance on natural gas, improving its energy efficiency and strengthening the resilience of its operations. Thanks to the installation of two biomass boilers with a combined capacity of 20 MWt, it will produce over 85,000 MWh of thermal energy per year and prevent the emission of around 17,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
The plant will use approximately 30,000 tonnes per year of forestry and agricultural biomass certified under the SURE scheme, supplemented by the use of biogas generated at the site’s own wastewater treatment plant. As next steps, the company is exploring the use of bagasse from the beer-brewing process as an energy source.

La entrada Mahou San Miguel inaugurates the biomass plant at its Alovera brewery, built and operated by Magnon se publicó primero en Ence.

• Grassroots and elite sports once again lead participation, with 137 applications submitted

• Education and culture account for 83 projects, while environmental and social inclusion initiatives each exceed 60 proposals

La entrada Ence’s Social Plan receives nearly 370 applications in Its seventh call and reaches almost 1,700 supported projects se publicó primero en Ence.

The company is actively taking part in this initiative as part of its commitment to biomass as a strategic asset in the field of renewable energy, both now and in the future, highlighting the role of its renewable energy complex in Huelva, where 1.5 million tonnes/year of biogenic CO₂ are captured, an essential raw material for the renewable fuels of the future.

Magnon’s involvement has combined training sessions, participatory activities and a visit to its energy complex in Huelva, providing students with a comprehensive view of the energy transition: from identifying new industrial opportunities to their practical application in a renewable generation complex.

The company’s contribution has been delivered through the participation of José Antonio Agüera, Magnon’s Director of Operations; María José Pérez, Business Development and Projects Manager; and Macarena Borlán, Operational Transformation Manager. Their contributions connected strategy, technological innovation and industrial operations, showing how an energy company addresses the future from complementary perspectives.

Biomass as a strategic asset

José Antonio Agüera, Magnon’s Director of Operations, underlined the strategic role of biomass as a fully manageable renewable source, capable of providing firm and stable energy regardless of weather conditions. At the same time, it helps prevent fires by making use of agricultural and forestry residues and opens the door to the production of the renewable fuels of the future, which are essential to decarbonise sectors such as aviation and maritime transport.

On this latter point, María José Pérez noted: “Biomass is the foundation on which the renewable fuels of the future will be developed. At Magnon, we are promoting pioneering projects to capture the biogenic CO₂ generated at our plants and transform it into renewable fuels. In doing so, we give new value to biomass and help strengthen Spain’s competitiveness, strategic autonomy and industrial leadership.”

La entrada Magnon champions biomass at UNIA as a strategic asset and highlights Huelva’s role as a benchmark for renewable fuels se publicó primero en Ence.

Consolidated EBITDA for the second quarter of 2026 amounted to €27 million, up 16% on the same period in 2025, when the result included €10 million from Energy Saving Certificates (CAEs).

Speciality pulps: a strategic commitment

Within the Pulp business, the company also made further progress as a producer of speciality pulps that substitute long-fibre pulp, including its new fluff pulp production line for the hygiene and incontinence products market, which is currently undergoing customer qualification.

These speciality pulps, which generate an average additional margin of €36 per tonne compared with standard pulp, accounted for 34% of sales in 2026, up from 30% in 2025. The company’s objective is for this figure to exceed 62% by 2028, further strengthening Ence’s position as the most competitive producer of long-fibre pulp substitutes.

Lower cash cost

In line with the company’s focus on cost reduction, cash cost (production cost) in the Pulp business fell to €455 per tonne in the second quarter of 2026, €67 per tonne lower than in the previous quarter. This improvement reflects Ence’s continued focus on implementing its Efficiency and Competitiveness Plan.

Moeve selects Magnon for a strategic project at its Huelva refinery

The renewable industrial heat business continued to accelerate its growth during the second quarter, with a new project comprising two boilers entering into operation. The company expects to end 2026 with five projects in operation, compared with one at the end of 2025.

In addition, Moeve has selected Magnon Servicios Energéticos, Ence’s subsidiary, as its partner to develop a thermal energy plant at its Huelva refinery. The two companies are currently in the final stage of contractual negotiations. The large-scale project is expected to generate more than 350 GWhth of thermal energy and has been designated a Strategic Project by the Regional Government of Andalusia.

Progress in biomethane

In biomethane, the company has built a portfolio of 41 projects with a potential production capacity of up to 4 TWh, compared with its target of 1 TWh by 2030. Of these, 28 projects are currently in the engineering and permitting phase. The company expects to obtain its first Integrated Environmental Authorisation (IEA) during the second half of 2026.

La entrada Ence returns to profit in the second quarter of 2026, supported by the recovery in the pulp cycle and lower costs se publicó primero en Ence.

Ence’s biofactory in Navia has completed the implementation and commissioning of two industrial projects aimed at improving its competitiveness. Both initiatives, which have involved a combined investment of 48 million euros, are now fully operational and mark a milestone for the company.

Firstly, the plant has completed the replacement of one of the lines in its timber processing facility with a new, higher-capacity system. The installation incorporates two debarkers and a chipper, enabling the processing of timber up to five metres in length and the handling of all ‘nitens’ eucalyptus with bark intact, thereby improving production capacity.

This technical improvement increases the availability of the company’s own bark for use as biofuel in the biomass boiler. In this way, Navia reduces its reliance on external biomass, optimises the use of process by-products and strengthens its circular economy model.

Boosting energy efficiency

At the same time, Ence has improved the energy efficiency of its pulp manufacturing process and has replaced the use of fossil fuels in its lime kilns, a critical process that is highly energy-intensive. The investment has enabled the commissioning of a new biomass preparation plant — covering the stages of reception, screening, storage, drying, crushing and dosing — as well as the installation of new burners adapted for the use of pulverised biomass.

The economic impact of this transformation plan translates into a direct improvement in the competitiveness of the Asturian biofactory. Of the total investment (48 million euros), 13 million is being funded through the energy efficiency scheme run by the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE).

Work carried out at the Navia biofactory

Download the project dossier

La entrada Ence completes the modernisation of its timber processing facilities and energy efficiency improvements in Navia following an investment of 48 million euros se publicó primero en Ence.

Regatex, a pilot plant for textile fiber recovery in As Pontes

Ence and Sharetex signed their collaboration agreement in 2024 as part of the Regatex initiative, a pilot plant for textile fiber recovery in As Pontes (A Coruña). As a result of this partnership, they have, for the first time, produced recycled cellulose from polycotton, promoting the circular economy. In addition, they have successfully conducted the first textile recycling tests using an innovative technology that does not require high pressure or temperature, nor does it use toxic solvents.

La entrada Ence and ShareTex Begin Initial Testing of the ATENEA Innovation Project to Promote Textile Recycling in Spain se publicó primero en Ence.

Through this call for proposals, Ence once again demonstrates its commitment to projects that have a positive impact on the region by promoting social inclusion, environmental restoration and conservation, education and culture, entrepreneurship and innovation, and sports in the area.

Application Submission and Information Channels

As in previous years, applications will be submitted via the website www.plansocialence.es, where the call for proposals’ guidelines can also be viewed. Additionally, an email address (plansocialpontevedra@ence.es) and a phone number (627 826 069) will be made available to answer any questions related to the Plan.

To facilitate the application process, the web platform will feature an explanatory video and a detailed guide that will address the main questions that may arise while uploading the information required to complete the application. In this way, Ence reinforces its commitment to the accessibility and transparency of the process, ensuring that both individuals and organizations can submit their projects clearly and easily.

Applications must fall within the established areas of focus and adhere to the maximum budgets allocated:

La entrada Ence Opens the Seventh Call for Grants Under the Pontevedra Social Plan se publicó primero en Ence.

EthiFinance annually assesses the sustainability performance of more than 2,400 European companies, analysing environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria through a double materiality approach and sector-specific methodologies.

The agency’s assessment evaluates Ence’s performance across four key pillars: governance, environment, social – own workforce, and social – external stakeholders.

Relationship with communities

In the area of governance, EthiFinance highlights the strength of Ence’s corporate governance frameworks, as well as its business conduct and cybersecurity policies, supported by robust control and oversight systems. The company maintains the same positive assessment achieved in this area the previous year.

Within the social pillar related to its own workforce, Ence improved its score, achieving an Outstanding rating (9/10). The agency particularly recognises working conditions, the high level of collective bargaining coverage, and the strong health and safety culture embedded across the organisation.

From an environmental perspective, EthiFinance values the company’s actions in decarbonisation, supported by environmental management system certifications and strong performance in circularity.

Meanwhile, the social area related to external stakeholders is the pillar showing the greatest improvement compared with the previous year. The agency particularly acknowledges the maintenance of solid and stable due diligence policies and processes throughout the value chain, as well as responsible practices that strengthen the company’s relationship with the communities where it operates.

Within the Governance area, EthiFinance once again highlights the strong performance of Ence’s Compliance and Cybersecurity functions, both achieving a score of 10/10, the same rating obtained last year.

La entrada EthiFinance renews Ence’s “Excellent” ESG rating for the second consecutive year se publicó primero en Ence.

Safety and Operational Efficiency
Specifically, the company has achieved the two targets defined in the program. In terms of workplace safety, Ence has achieved an accident frequency rate significantly below the industry average in Spain, exceeding the improvement target set for 2025. In the environmental sphere, it has reduced the average number of odor minutes at its biorefineries compared to the baseline period, far exceeding the set target.

Achieving these targets reinforces the strength of Ence’s strategy in these areas, which is fully integrated into its business model and focused on continuous improvement in key areas such as safety and operational efficiency, in line with the highest international standards.

La entrada Ence Meets the Sustainability Targets of Its €200 Million Commercial Paper Program Registered on the MARF se publicó primero en Ence.

Ence is Spain’s largest forest manager, a European leader in the production of specialty cellulosic products, and the largest generator of renewable energy from agricultural, forestry, and livestock biomass.

Thus, the company plays a strategic role in promoting energy self-sufficiency by transforming local biomass and forestry, agricultural, and livestock residues into electricity, renewable heat to decarbonize industry, biomethane, and biofertilizers, and, in the future, renewable aviation fuels.

In accepting this award, Ignacio Colmenares acknowledged the driving force behind this strategy, Juan Luis Arregui, honorary president of Ence, and the company’s team, whose talent and commitment have made Ence a leader in rural development.

The president of Ence received the award from H.R.H. Infanta Elena.

La entrada Ignacio Colmenares, President and CEO of Ence, Receives the 2026 SICampo Award for His Commitment to Rural Development se publicó primero en Ence.