Iberdrola’s Ekienea Solar Project Reaches Milestone in Basque Country’s Renewable Energy Efforts

Iberdrola’s Ekienea Solar Project Reaches Milestone in Basque Country’s Renewable Energy Efforts

(IN BRIEF) The Ekienea solar farm, the largest in the Basque Country, has achieved grid access, marking a significant milestone in the region’s renewable energy efforts. The 100 MW facility will nearly triple the Basque Country’s solar capacity, support local economic growth, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

(PRESS RELEASE) BILBAO, 20-Aug-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — In a significant step towards enhancing renewable energy capacity in the Basque Country, Iberdrola, alongside key partners, has announced that the Ekienea solar farm, the region’s largest, has successfully gained access to the electricity grid. This milestone highlights a collective commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions in Euskadi, as part of a broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental stewardship.

The announcement was made during a meeting in Bilbao, where Iberdrola’s Chairman, Ignacio Galán, convened with the company’s management team and the Executive Committee. The timing of this meeting coincided with the Aste Nagusia celebrations, symbolizing a new chapter in the region’s energy landscape.

Ekienea: A Landmark in Renewable Energy

Spanning 200 hectares, the Ekienea solar farm is set to become a cornerstone of renewable energy in the Basque Country, with a projected capacity of 100 MW. Once operational, the facility is expected to produce enough clean energy to power approximately 47,000 households annually. This development will nearly triple the region’s current solar capacity and prevent the release of 25,000 tonnes of CO2 each year, significantly contributing to the fight against climate change.

The project is a collaborative effort involving Iberdrola, the Basque Energy Agency (EVE), the Provincial Council of Alava, and Krean (Mondragón Group). Notably, only half of the land will be occupied by the photovoltaic plant, with the remaining area dedicated to environmental conservation and forest preservation, ensuring that the project balances energy production with ecological sustainability.

Economic and Industrial Impact

Beyond its environmental benefits, the Ekienea project is poised to provide substantial economic advantages to the Basque Country. At its peak, the construction phase is expected to create up to 300 jobs, offering opportunities for local workers and fostering growth within the region’s renewable energy sector.

The project also underscores Iberdrola’s ongoing collaboration with local technology companies such as Ingeteam, Arteche, Ormazabal, and Haizea Wind. These partnerships are central to the company’s strategy of leveraging regional expertise to drive innovation and efficiency in renewable energy production.

A Broader Commitment to Energy Transition

The Ekienea solar farm is part of a broader initiative by Iberdrola to accelerate the Basque Country’s transition to sustainable energy. The company is actively involved in the Aixeindar initiative, in collaboration with EVE, to develop wind farms with a combined capacity of 160 MW in Álava. The Labraza and Azaceta wind farms, each with a capacity of 40 MW, represent the first new wind projects in the Basque Country since 2006 and are set to contribute significantly to the region’s renewable energy mix.

Additionally, advancements in energy storage are being implemented at the Oiz (Bizkaia) and Elgea-Urkilla (Álava) wind farms, where storage batteries have been in operation since 2022. These developments are crucial for maximizing the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy sources in the region.

Looking Ahead

The successful grid connection of the Ekienea solar farm marks a pivotal moment in the Basque Country’s energy journey. As the region continues to embrace renewable energy, projects like Ekienea will play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions, supporting local economies, and paving the way for a sustainable future.

Media Contact:

Tel: +34 91 784 32 32
comunicacioncorporativa@iberdrola.es

SOURCE: Iberdrola