Catalonia’s agri-food sector is committed to sustainability through energy and water
The Energy and Water conference puts on the table innovative solutions in energy and water management to promote sustainability in the agri-food sector.
Girona, 6 March 2025 – Decarbonisation and water management in the agri-food sector has become an essential challenge to move towards a more sustainable and robust model in the face of climate change. In addition to being a necessity, it represents an opportunity to improve business competitiveness through the implementation of renewable technologies, efficient management of resources and awareness of the sector.
In this context, the Efficient Energy Cluster of Catalonia (CEEC), the Catalan Water Partnership (CWP), the Catalan Meat and Alternative Protein Cluster (INNOVACC) and the Food Retail Cluster of Catalonia held today the Energy and Water: Innovating Catalan Agri-Food conference at the Josep Irla Auditorium in Girona. With a total of 150 participants, the event brought together professionals and companies to share knowledge and experiences on the efficient management of energy and water resources in the agri-food sector.
“The four clusters will play a key role in supporting companies to accelerate this energy and water transition,” said Eudald Casas, cluster manager of INNOVACC, “innovation and collaboration will be our best allies in this journey towards a cleaner, more efficient and more resilient future.”
A space for the exchange of knowledge and experiences
During the meeting, the main challenges and strategies for a more sustainable management of energy and water in the agri-food sector were addressed. The event was welcomed by Glòria Cugat, Deputy Director General of Agri-Food Inspection and Control of the Directorate General of Agri-Food Companies, Quality and Gastronomy of the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Generalitat de Catalunya. The initial session featured the interventions of representatives of the CEEC and the CWP, who contextualized the need to bet on innovation to reduce environmental impact and optimize resources.
“The availability of water and its efficient use is a key challenge for the competitiveness of the agri-food industry,” said Xavier Amores, director of the Water Partnership Cluster. “The legislative changes resulting from the new royal decree on reuse and the restrictions suffered last year will be a factor of promotion and prioritization in water investments in the coming years, and that is why conferences like today’s help us to share good practices, success stories and solutions already available.”
The president of the CEEC, Joaquim Daura, added that “80% of global emissions come from the energy sector. The transition to clean and renewable energy is not only an environmental necessity, but an opportunity to regain European competitiveness and strengthen our position in the global market.” In addition, he stressed the importance of collaboration between sectors to advance on this path: “Only with a firm commitment to efficiency and innovation will we be able to achieve the objectives of sustainability and economic growth that we set ourselves”.
Next, several companies shared their experiences in energy and water management, providing real cases of implementation of sustainable measures. The companies Bon Preu, Mafrica, Costa Brava Mediterranean Foods, Liquats Vegetals and Paulig have presented their initiatives in energy efficiency and water management, demonstrating the sector’s commitment to sustainability.
Pitching sessions, a space for innovation
One of the most dynamic moments of the day were the so-called pitching sessions, where specialized companies presented innovative solutions for energy and water management. In this space, the entities Eurecat, Factor Energia, Sorigué, Schneider Electric, Telwesa, Remondis, Nalco Water – EcoLab, Sigma Group, Derypol, Beta Technology Center, Stenco, Dr. Canicio Consulting Chemist, CIRCA, ACO Group Iberia, Kurita Iberica, Caperva, Zenit Zolar, Wattega, Energy Tools, Nexus Energia, AVC – Steam Applications and Control, Solartradex, Abora Solar and Prime Rubau Energy, have presented technologies and strategies to improve efficiency and sustainability in the agri-food sector.
In addition to sharing solutions and good practices, the conference has also served as a meeting point to promote new collaborations and promote possible joint projects between companies from the different economic areas represented. This type of initiative is key to continuing to innovate in the sustainable management of energy and water, two fundamental sectors for the Catalan economy.
“The agri-food sector is the country’s leading economic sector and the success of the conference confirms the sector’s desire to lead the transition towards a more sustainable and efficient model, with innovation and collaboration as the drivers of this process,” added Anna Carabús, cluster manager of the Food Retail Cluster of Catalonia.
