Nature & Environment

Plastic to Biodiesel in Almería. Successfully turning marine plastic into biodiesel.

Published May 9, 2025 | Category: Nature & Environment

TL;DR: Plastic to biodiesel in Almería is no longer a theory—it’s a working model that turns sea waste into fuel, jobs, and sustainable change.

Plastic to Biodiesel in Almería: How a Small Port Leads Coastal Sustainability

Plastic to biodiesel project in Almería’s fishing port

Plastic to biodiesel in Almería is no longer an experiment. In the fishing port of Almería, a circular economy project is successfully turning marine plastic into biodiesel, powering fishing vessels and creating local jobs. Supported by the EU’s LIFE DREAM program, the initiative serves as a model of sustainability and local empowerment in the Mediterranean region.

From Trash to Fuel: How the Process Works

The concept behind plastic to biodiesel in Almería is elegantly simple. Fishermen collect plastic waste from the sea during their routine operations. Once brought ashore, the waste is sorted and prepared for processing in a mobile pyrolysis unit located in the port itself. Pyrolysis is a high-temperature, oxygen-free process that breaks down long-chain polymers into liquid hydrocarbons—producing clean, usable biodiesel fuel.

On average, each processing batch yields approximately 50 liters of biodiesel, depending on the composition of the plastic waste. This fuel is then reused directly by the local fishing fleet, completing a true circular loop. Instead of contributing to marine pollution, these fishermen are now literally fueling the future.

Why Pyrolysis Matters

Unlike incineration or landfill disposal, pyrolysis leaves behind minimal toxic residue and emits no harmful gases. It’s a low-emission technology suited for marine plastic waste, particularly useful in port areas where waste streams are complex and recycling rates are low. In Almería, the mobile unit has shown how scalable and efficient the system can be, especially for small or mid-sized coastal towns.

The biodiesel produced can be used in standard diesel engines, making it directly applicable to fishing vessels, port service boats, and even municipal vehicles. This versatility adds to the project’s sustainability value.

Community at the Core: Empowering Almería’s Fishermen

For the fishermen of Almería, this initiative offers more than just cleaner seas. It represents a shift in how their role is perceived—no longer just harvesters of marine life, they are now stewards of the ocean. Their direct involvement in waste recovery, energy production, and marine conservation is helping redefine the identity of coastal communities across southern Spain.

Local associations such as the Organización de Productores Pesqueros (OPP-71) have been instrumental in coordinating the effort. They provide logistical support, training, and promotion to ensure that fishermen feel invested in the process. The social transformation is as meaningful as the environmental impact.

Women Leading Innovation: The Role of Asociación Galatea

Back on land, women from Asociación Galatea play a crucial role in the second phase of the plastic to biodiesel cycle. They assist in sorting plastic waste for pyrolysis and repurpose leftover byproducts, such as paraffin.

From Waste to Warmth: Handmade Candles from Paraffin Byproducts

Handmade candles produced from paraffin byproducts of the biodiesel process in Almería

As part of the plastic to biodiesel initiative in Almería, local women transform paraffin byproducts into artisanal candles. These sustainable products reflect a deeper layer of the circular economy: nothing is wasted, and every element is repurposed with care, skill and community impact.

This economic participation not only supports household incomes but also enhances social inclusion and gender equity. Their work gives tangible form to the principles of a circular economy—where nothing is wasted, and value is extracted at every stage.

Environmental Impact: A Cleaner Sea and Lower Emissions

The ecological benefits of the project are already visible. Marine litter has decreased in targeted areas of the Alboran Sea, and net entanglements of plastic waste have been significantly reduced. Divers and marine biologists working in the area report healthier conditions for endemic species like the Mediterranean monk seal and seagrass meadows.

By replacing fossil fuels with locally produced biodiesel, the project also reduces the port’s overall carbon footprint. It contributes to national and European decarbonization goals while making maritime transport more resilient to fossil fuel price fluctuations.

Scaling Up: Can Almería’s Model Go Global?

Plastic to biodiesel in Almería has gained attention from other ports and coastal regions in Spain, Italy, and Greece. Its low-tech, high-impact model makes it highly adaptable to other fishing communities. The portability of the pyrolysis unit is a major strength—it doesn’t require large infrastructure or long-term investment to be effective.

The Blue Circular Economy network is currently working on documentation and policy proposals to integrate this approach into broader marine waste strategies across the EU. The LIFE DREAM project is expected to publish its first impact assessment later this year.

Educational and Economic Spin-Offs

Almería’s initiative has also opened new doors in education and tourism. Schools in the area now include site visits to the port as part of their sustainability curriculum. Local media and eco-tourism companies are organizing guided tours that showcase the biodiesel production process and artisan work by Asociación Galatea.

Workshops on plastic reuse, sustainable fishing, and marine ecology have also emerged—turning the port into a living classroom that teaches circularity in action. This outreach is crucial to building long-term awareness and ensuring generational continuity in environmental responsibility.

A Model of Hope and Pragmatism

Plastic to biodiesel in Almería is not just a local initiative—it’s a model of hope, built on practical, replicable methods. By connecting sea cleanup with energy generation, gender inclusion, and economic development, it redefines how small ports can lead big changes.

In a world where climate action often feels abstract, this project is tangible proof that sustainable transformation is possible—one fishing net, one candle, and one drop of biodiesel at a time.

For more updates from across the province, visit our News section or explore the Nature & Environment category.

Looking for broader coverage? More Almería news

Update: This article was featured in the official newsletter of AIVP, the worldwide network of sustainable port cities.

Sustainability

Sustainable Projects in Almeria 2025 — Mojacar, El Toyo & Water Initiatives

Published October 16, 2025 | Category: Sustainability

TL;DR: Mojácar begins regeneration and climate adaptation efforts under EU Next Generation funds; Almería’s El Toyo beach gets a sustainable sports complex; Serón launches biomass forest management; and provincial water infrastructure gains major investment. These projects mark a new green era for Almería.

Sustainable Projects in Almería 2025 — From Mojácar to Serón and Beyond

Table of Contents

Mojácar’s Coastal Regeneration & Climate Adaptation
El Toyo: A Sustainable Beach Sports Complex for Almería
Serón’s Biomass Forest Plan: Fire Prevention & Renewable Energy
Province-Wide Water Infrastructure & Desalination Investments
Projected Impacts & Community Benefits
Key Success Factors & Recommendations
Final Thoughts

Mojácar’s Coastal Regeneration & Climate Adaptation

Mojácar’s town hall has officially initiated a major sustainable transformation plan, laying the groundwork — both literally and figuratively — for its coastal future. The project combines coastal regeneration with climate change adaptation and prevention measures, supported by Next Generation EU funds under Spain’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.

The total allocated investment exceeds €1,152,000. The first phase, budgeted at €432,028, focuses on climate adaptation works (natural barriers, shade and permeable surfaces, resilient planting), while the second phase invests €720,000 in waterfront regeneration — landscaping, accessibility and a coherent seaside design that better withstands heat, wind and storm events.

Two priority zones are in scope: the Parque de las Familias / Congo area and the promenade by the Parador zone. The goal is a continuous, inclusive beachfront with ecological sensitivity and public access at its core.

“We have worked on these proposals for years; with European funds we can now transform Mojácar Playa into a modern and sustainable tourism destination,” the mayor has stated. For official updates on municipal works and PSTD actions, see the Ayuntamiento de Mojácar and the national PRTR hub at planderecuperacion.gob.es (NextGenerationEU).

El Toyo: A Sustainable Beach Sports Complex for Almería

In the capital, the city council has unveiled a beach sports complex in the El Toyo coastal zone, a project valued at approximately €1,001,694.83 and financed under the PSTD — Plan de Sostenibilidad Turística en Destino with Next Generation EU funds. The site will sit by the Palacio de Congresos Cabo de Gata – Ciudad de Almería, forming a hub between convention tourism and active, low-impact coastal sport.

Facilities will include beach volleyball, beach football, handball and rugby courts on sand, small stands, improved coastal landscaping, locker rooms and accessible pathways using permeable materials. The municipality positions it as a blue tourism anchor that regenerates public space while attracting year-round events. See the city’s official portal at almeriaciudad.es. For context coverage, the announcement was also carried by Cadena SER.

Serón’s Biomass Forest Plan: Fire Prevention & Renewable Energy

Inland, Serón is scaling up biomass forest management in 2025: a planned harvest of about 1,500 tons of low-value woody material (scrub, thinning residues) to reduce wildfire fuel load while supplying renewable energy. The approach blends fire prevention, habitat health and circular economy: selective removal of underbrush helps native species and creates local energy value chains.

This mirrors Andalusia’s push to integrate forest biomass into district heating and public buildings, where feasible, while prioritising biodiversity. Provincial coordination and municipal notices are typically published through the Diputación de Almería and town-hall channels.

Province-Wide Water Infrastructure & Desalination Investments

Almería’s semi-arid climate makes water security central to sustainability. In 2025, the Spanish Government outlined a package of roughly €586 million in water infrastructure upgrades across the province — desalination capacity, modernised irrigation networks, reservoir works and selective flood-risk mitigation. These actions align national resilience with the province’s agricultural reliance on greenhouse cultivation and with urban demand along the coast.

The logic is straightforward: resilient beaches and promenades must be matched by resilient water systems upstream. Coordinated planning lowers the environmental footprint, stabilises supply and reduces salinity risks for farms. For policy details, consult Spain’s PRTR site (planderecuperacion.gob.es) and the EU programme page (NextGenerationEU).

Projected Impacts & Community Benefits

Taken together, these projects deliver benefits on multiple fronts:

Economic diversification: Sports and cultural programming in regenerated spaces extends activity beyond peak summer, stabilising local jobs.
Climate resilience: Dune recovery, shade, permeable pavements and smarter planting reduce heat-island effect and improve storm tolerance.
Public health & equity: Accessible walkways, safer crossings and barrier-free beachfronts improve everyday life for families, seniors and people with reduced mobility.
Environmental restoration: Healthier forests and better-managed catchments support biodiversity and reduce catastrophic fire and flood events.

On the ground, Mojácar’s redesign opens segments of promenade that were functionally underused; El Toyo’s complex transforms spare coastal land into an active, inclusive public asset; and Serón’s biomass plan reduces the fuel load threatening forest-edge hamlets.

Key Success Factors & Recommendations

For these initiatives to reach their potential, several principles are essential:

Joined-up planning: Beach works, water systems and upland ecosystems must be planned together, not in silos.
Transparent reporting: Publish milestones (budget, timelines, contracts, monitoring) in accessible dashboards to sustain trust.
Maintenance funding: Allocate multi-year O&M budgets; a great build without upkeep quickly loses impact.
Local voice: Co-design elements (seating, shade, play, cultural markers) with neighbourhood groups and businesses.
Replication: Use El Toyo’s specs as a template for Carboneras, Adra, Vera and other coastal towns seeking blue-tourism pivots.

Final Thoughts

Almería’s sustainability story in 2025 is no longer theoretical — it is taking shape in concrete works along the shore, in forests and across water infrastructure. Mojácar is reimagining the promenade with climate in mind; El Toyo is pairing public space regeneration with active tourism; Serón is treating forests as living infrastructure; and the province is aligning with Spain’s PRTR to secure its water future.

What emerges is a province that is not only beautiful but increasingly built for endurance. As these projects move from plans to places, we will keep tracking timelines, budgets and on-the-ground experience — and we’ll spotlight the towns and villages where sustainability becomes part of daily life.

For more on the natural landscapes and environment of Almería, visit our Nature & Environment category.

Nature & Environment

AVE Almeria 2025: €8.2 M Boost Drives High-Speed Train Progress to 67 %

Published October 16, 2025 | Category: Infrastructure, Real Estate & Economy

TL;DR: The AVE Almeria high-speed train project has advanced from 50% to 67% completion, strengthened by a new €8.2 million investment on the Vera–Almeria section. Despite challenges, the line remains on track for its 2027 arrival.

AVE Almeria & High-Speed Train Almeria: Progress, Challenges and 2027 Outlook

The long-awaited connection between Almeria and Spain’s national high-speed rail network continues to make tangible progress. The AVE Almeria project, which had already surpassed the halfway point earlier this year, now stands at 67% completion thanks to a new €8.2 million investment by Adif for the Vera–Almeria section. (Cadena SER)

From 50 % to 67 %: where the project stands

Earlier this year, VisitingAlmeria.com reported that works on tunnels, viaducts and track structures were progressing ahead of schedule. Since then, progress has accelerated, with new funding allocated for traviesas bibloque and reinforced concrete slabs. These are key for constructing around 10.7 km of slab track (“vía en placa”), replacing traditional ballast systems.

Most of this section passes through complex engineering works, including the Sorbas Tunnel (7.5 km, the longest in Andalusia), the Gafarillos Viaduct (434 m) and the Almendral Tunnel (1.1 km). These upgrades are essential to ensure maximum speed, durability and safety of the line. (Cadena SER)

Timeline, arrival date & underground integration

According to official figures, the works are now 67 % complete. The Ministry of Transport, the Junta de Andalucía and the Almeria City Council reaffirm that the high-speed train Almeria remains on schedule for completion in late 2026, followed by an official opening in 2027. (Canal Sur)

One of the costliest stages is the soterramiento (underground section) within the city. More than €21 million in additional funds have been earmarked to integrate the new line into Almeria’s urban fabric while improving mobility and city aesthetics. (Canal Sur)

Debate and risks

Despite the positive progress, some political voices warn of risks to the project. Rafael Hernando, national deputy for Almeria, has stated that issues like energy capacity, water supply and industrial connections still need to be fully addressed — otherwise, delays could arise. (La Razón)

These concerns add to broader debates over sustainability and cost control. Yet, the government maintains that timelines remain stable and environmental conditions are being respected.

Environmental awareness: protecting Almeria’s swifts

Among the project’s lesser-known but symbolic actions is an ecological measure to protect local wildlife. During the redevelopment of the future intermodal station, engineers installed a 12-metre tower to host a colony of pallid swifts (vencejos pálidos) displaced by the demolition of older canopies. This initiative, led in coordination with environmental authorities, ensures the species can safely return once works conclude. (El País)

Economic and real-estate impact

Infrastructure projects of this magnitude typically boost local property values and investment potential. Areas surrounding future station zones, including those along the Vera–Almeria corridor, are already experiencing growing interest from developers and buyers. Improved accessibility is expected to attract both domestic and foreign investors, reinforcing Almeria’s profile within Andalusia’s transport network.

Looking ahead

The combination of progress, investment and ecological awareness paints a positive outlook for the AVE Almeria. If the 2027 goal is achieved, it will mark a new era of mobility and development for the province — connecting Almeria faster than ever before with Madrid and the rest of Spain.

For more updates from across the province, visit our Infrastructure category.