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While adoption in Spain and Italy has been more gradual compared to other European markets, its growth potential is substantial. “Spain and Portugal are among the largest waste producers in Europe,” says Ceño, “which positions them as key markets for the development of this technology. Moreover, the current European regulatory framework is significantly accelerating its deployment.”

Beyond Europe, BBVA’s investment banking team sees strong potential in Latin America, especially in countries with a solid agricultural and livestock base such as Brazil and Argentina. The experience and progress achieved in Europe will serve as a blueprint for the global scale-up of biomethane, supporting a more inclusive and sustainable energy transition.

Leadership in financing and expert advisory

BBVA has taken a proactive approach to financing biomethane projects, with a strong emphasis on project finance as an effective model to mobilise sustainable investment. This approach allows financing to be based on the cash flows generated by the project itself, aligning stakeholder interests, distributing risk and enabling scalability.

“We have been pioneers in financing biomethane projects under project finance structures,” says Karla Ceño. “Thanks to this financial solution, we have participated in landmark transactions such as Ence’s project in La Galera (Spain), the financing of Verdalia, and the three plants closed with Total at the end of last year. One of the most notable examples in Europe this year was the structuring of our first biomethane financing in Italy alongside Suma Capital, which involved the conversion of seven biogas plants and has paved the way for the financing of additional portfolios in the country.”

“We have been pioneers in financing biomethane projects under project finance structures”

These transactions demonstrate BBVA CIB’s ability to structure advanced financial solutions tailored to each client’s needs. Its deep sector expertise, combined with a global outlook, enables the integration of various clean technologies into long-term strategies, supporting enterprises across all sectors in transforming their production models.

The push for biomethane is part of this broader strategy to support the energy transition. This technology falls under the “green molecules” vertical, one of the four strategic pillars of Cleantech, alongside energy storage, electric mobility and the CO₂ value chain, all of which BBVA promotes to accelerate the decarbonisation of the corporate sector.

With its ability to mobilise global investment, structure sustainable financing and provide expert advisory, BBVA reaffirms its commitment to innovation and sustainability. Its mission is to help companies transform their production models, making them more competitive, efficient and environmentally responsible. Biomethane is not only a bet on a proven technology, it is a tangible example of BBVA’s role as a strategic partner in the transition towards a decarbonised and circular economy.

• Neema Premji and Louise Pratt appointed to Water
  Corporation Board
• Deputy Chair Helen Creed to step down from the
  Board effective 31 December 2025

Two
influential leaders with decades of experience in governance, infrastructure,
and public policy have been appointed to Water Corporation’s Board.

Neema
Premji and Louise Pratt have joined as Non-Executive Directors, reinforcing the
utility’s commitment to strong leadership and strategic direction.

Ms
Premji is a highly experienced Non-Executive Director and Independent Chair, who
currently serves on the Audit and Risk Committee for the Department of Local
Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

A
civil engineer, she brings more than 25 years of experience across
infrastructure, utilities, mining and government trading enterprises, with
expertise in financial and asset management, strategic planning and corporate
governance.

Ms
Pratt is a respected leader, social advocate and communications professional with
two decades of experience in community, government and parliamentary roles. She
has served in both the Upper Houses of State and Federal Parliament, most
recently as a WA Senator.

During
her time in the Australian Parliament, Ms Pratt engaged in extensive committee
work, including as Chair of the Senate Finance and Public Administration
Legislation Committee.

Both
non-executive appointments are for a three-year term.

Deputy
Chair Helen Creed stepped down on 31 December 2025 and a new Deputy Chair will
be announced in due course.

Water
Corporation Chief Executive Officer Pat Donovan also concludes his tenure on
the Board. In 2023, his term as CEO was renewed for five years and he was
appointed Executive Director for two years to provide continuity during the
Board’s leadership transition. He remains as CEO.

Comments attributed to Water Minister Don
Punch:

“The
appointment of Neema Premji and Louise Pratt introduces fresh skills and
insights to Water Corporation’s Board, while maintaining a depth of experience
to support robust oversight and effective decision-making.

“Ms
Premji brings exceptional expertise in governance and infrastructure, while Ms
Pratt’s distinguished parliamentary career and social advocacy will strengthen the
ability of Water Corporation to deliver for the community.

“Their
appointment also reflects the Cook Government’s continued commitment to
increasing female representation on Government boards.

“I
also want to thank outgoing Deputy Chair Helen Creed for her leadership and
service during her tenure.”