Plenitude has officially commenced construction on a new solar plant with an installed capacity of 220 megawatts (MW) in Villarino de los Aires, located in the province of Salamanca, Spain. This project is set to become one of the largest solar installations in the Castilla y León region and is expected to generate over 400 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually.
Project Details
- Site Area: The solar plant will cover approximately 286 hectares.
- Connection: It will be connected to the national transmission grid via a 3.2-kilometer underground medium-voltage line at the Villarino de los Aires junction.
- Technology: The facility will utilize 365,300 bifacial solar modules, which are designed to optimize solar energy capture.
- Completion Timeline: The project is scheduled for completion by 2025, with construction support from Sterling & Wilson, a leading global photovoltaic construction company, along with several local firms.
Environmental Protection Measures
To minimize the environmental impact of the project, Plenitude has implemented several protective measures:
- Conservation of Rural Huts: Rural huts located between the solar modules will be conserved and relocated as necessary.
- Preservation of Natural Water Channels: Natural water channels crossing the area will be preserved.
- Permeable Hunting Fences: Permeable hunting fences will be installed around the plant’s perimeter.
- Coordination with Farmers: Active coordination with neighboring farmers will ensure compatibility with surrounding land use.
Leadership Insights
During the cornerstone laying ceremony, Mariangiola Mollicone, Head of Western Europe Renewables and Managing Director of Plenitude in Spain, stated, “The Villarino project is a virtuous example of integration with the territory.” She emphasized the collaborative approach taken by all involved parties, which aligns with Plenitude’s growth strategy in Spain.
Plenitude’s Expansion in Spain
With the initiation of the Villarino project, Plenitude strengthens its presence in Castilla y León, where it already operates a wind plant with an installed capacity of approximately 13 MW. The company currently operates over 440 MW of installed capacity across various regions in Spain, including Galicia, La Rioja, Catalonia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Murcia. Ongoing construction projects total around 1 GW in regions such as Andalusia and Extremadura, with plans for over 2 GW of new capacity in development.
Future Perspectives
The launch of the Villarino de los Aires solar plant aligns with Plenitude’s strategy to enhance its renewable energy production capacity and support the energy transition in Spain and Europe. By investing in large-scale solar infrastructure, Plenitude aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development.
Learn more:
- Plenitude starts construction of a new 220MW solar plant in Villarino de los Aires in Spain
- Eni’s Plenitude begins construction of 220MW solar plant in Spain
- Plenitude Launches Construction of a 220MW Solar Plant in Villarino de los Aires – energynews
