At Aiguasol—an energy and sustainability consultancy with over 25 years of experience in the renewable energy sector—we have successfully completed Bioenergytraces, a low-cost digital solution designed to certify the origin and destination of biomass. The tool was created to meet the new traceability requirements outlined in the updated European Renewable Energy Directive (RED III). By leveraging artificial intelligence and document digitization technologies, Bioenergytraces enables end-to-end management of biomass flows—from production to final consumption—helping small producers comply with regulations, remain competitive, and contribute to the decarbonization of industry.

This initiative is part of a joint effort with the Efficient Energy Cluster of Catalonia, the Smart City Cluster, and Elliot Cloud to modernize and digitize the solid biomass sector, with a focus on supporting SMEs with limited digital capabilities.

Drawing from our extensive experience in innovation, efficiency, and sustainable energy solutions, we played a key role in the design and development of a digital system that enables full traceability of biomass, automates logistical and administrative tasks, and generates key performance indicators to support decision-making.

One major challenge identified was the need for active involvement from businesses to ensure effective system adoption. However, we also recognized a clear strategic opportunity: this solution can be replicated in other rural settings, enabling scalable digital transformation across the bioenergy sector.

The system is designed to address common sector needs, offering an adaptable, minimally disruptive tool that simplifies traceability and certification while adding value through features such as real-time interaction with clients and suppliers. A standout innovation is the use of powerful, proven technologies—such as machine learning for document recognition—integrated at points in the workflow where they can significantly boost productivity.

In addition, a recent regulatory change lowering the threshold for boiler capacity (from 20 MW to 7.5 MW) means that over 500 facilities in Spain—90 of them in Catalonia—must now comply with new requirements. Bioenergytraces addresses this emerging need, opening up a high-potential market for digital solutions in the sector.

The key benefits of bioenergytraces:

• Improved operational efficiency and regulatory compliance through digitalization of the entire biomass value chain, enabling precise and transparent control of raw material flows.
• Support for local economic development and promotion of a fair, efficient energy transition. The project empowers small businesses with modern tools, enhances resilience, and fosters a more sustainable, locally-driven economy with reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
• Creation of hybrid professional profiles better equipped to tackle modern challenges. The adoption of new technologies requires updated technical and managerial skills, boosting employability and workforce development, especially in rural or analog-dominated environments.
• Access to advanced yet accessible technology, including ERP and BI features, traceability, auditing, and established AI tools. This democratizes the use of cutting-edge technologies, helping SMEs make data-driven decisions and automate critical processes.
• Seamless integration into existing operations, as the system is designed with the day-to-day realities of businesses in mind, enabling easy adoption without disrupting current workflows.

This project was made possible thanks to the support of the Ministry of Industry and Tourism of the Government of Spain, through the AEI 2024 funding program. The total budget was €246,990, of which €193,007 was subsidized.

Looking ahead to the next quarter, Aiguasol plans to resubmit Bioenergytraces to the AEI funding program in order to continue development, improve functionality, and expand its features. This next phase will help consolidate the platform, incorporate feedback from real-world use, and extend its adoption across new environments and stakeholders in the sector.

At Aiguasol, we remain committed to driving a fair and inclusive ecological and digital transition—placing technology at the service of people, communities, and the planet.