Europe (and perhaps the world) is currently looking for solutions to deal with energy shortages and the long-term repercussions from climate change, in the midst of this search comes a lovely bit of news and innovation from an unlikely source. Spain.
What was once spit out, or used as a weapon with regularity, the olive pit are now potentially powering homes, industries and demonstrating the potential of creative thinking for clean energy.
Before we go further, a video I love about how olives are currently harvested. This in and of itself could qualify as a good thing, but today it’s just an amuse-bouche.
OK. Some history:
Spain's relationship with olive oil dates back millennia, back to Phoenician traders around 1000 BCE. Now, olives and olive oil are the cornerstone for the delicious Mediterranean diets. They are prized for nutritional value, flavor, and culinary versatility. Kinda healthy too as they are rich in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Spain has long been a global leader in olive oil production. Andalusia, in southern Spain, is the country's primary olive-growing region, accounting for the majority of its production.
Where are we going with this? Well, beyond its culinary uses, olive harvesting and oil production also generates a significant amount of waste, namely olive pits. Traditionally, these pits were discarded or used as animal feed. However, a great recent innovation have transformed olive pits into a valuable energy resource.
When processed, olive pits can be converted into pomace and then into pellets that can be burned to generate heat and electricity. This biofuel is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and can help reduce carbon emissions.
Spain has been at the forefront of this innovative approach. Numerous farms, cooperatives, and industries have embraced olive pit biofuel, using it to power everything from homes and businesses to olive oil mills and even airplanes.
The adoption of olive pit biofuel has not only provided a sustainable energy solution but has also created new revenue streams for the olive oil industry. Farmers, cooperatives, and businesses can now sell their olive pits as a valuable commodity, diversifying their income and increasing their economic resilience.

Olive pit biofuel plays a crucial role in decarbonizing Spain's energy sector. By replacing fossil fuels with a renewable and sustainable alternative, it helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.