ARKANSAS, Sept 29 (Future Headlines)- Iberdrola, a leading Spanish utility company, has achieved a significant milestone in Spain’s renewable energy landscape with the completion of the country’s first hybrid wind and solar photovoltaic plant. This project marks a substantial investment by Iberdrola, with over 40 million euros allocated, demonstrating the company’s commitment to innovation and renewable energy leadership in the region.

The 74 MW photovoltaic installation, equipped with over 120,000 photovoltaic modules, is situated in the Burgos municipalities of Revilla Vallejera, Villamedianilla, and Vallejera. It serves the purpose of hybridizing the existing 69 MW BaCa (Ballestas and Casetona) wind power complex in the region. This pioneering initiative emphasizes Iberdrola’s focus on optimizing grid utilization and reducing the environmental impact of energy projects within their respective localities.

Crucially, the development of this hybrid installation has a strong local component, benefitting the regional economy and fostering employment opportunities. It has engaged 360 professionals, further underlining Iberdrola’s commitment to not only advancing renewable energy but also contributing positively to the communities in which it operates.

Iberdrola has dedicated more than 40 million euros to this venture, which harmoniously combines wind and solar energy generation within a single site. The company intends to continue investing in this technology in the coming years, with the aim of enhancing its renewable energy portfolio and maximizing the potential of existing locations.

The incorporation of solar modules into existing wind power complexes is a strategic move by Iberdrola to boost the generation of clean, cost-effective, and competitive energy. This approach ensures that each project operates at maximum capacity, delivering the authorized amount of green energy for extended periods. Moreover, hybrid systems provide greater resilience by reducing reliance on variable environmental conditions and resource availability, be it wind or sunshine. This results in more stable and efficient renewable energy production.

Hybrid generation plants effectively utilize the same grid connection point and shared infrastructure, including substations and electricity evacuation lines. Additionally, these hybrid facilities are situated on land previously designated for renewable energy generation. This approach minimizes environmental impact and reduces the overall footprint compared to developing two separate, independent plants.

Iberdrola views renewable energy as a catalyst for rural development. By promoting renewable projects in these areas, the company plays a crucial role in creating local employment opportunities and fostering sustainable economic growth. The company’s initiatives in Castile and Leon exemplify its commitment to this vision.

Iberdrola’s dedication to harmonizing renewable energy, nature, and local communities has received recognition through initiatives like the Iberdrola CONVIVE Awards. Recently, the town council of Revilla Vallejera in Burgos was honored by the company for its contributions in this regard.

Iberdrola’s investment in hybrid wind and solar power is part of a broader strategy to expand its renewable energy footprint in Spain. The company is actively involved in developing several other renewable projects in the region, including wind farms such as Valdemoro and Buniel, totaling over 550 megawatts in capacity. Additionally, Iberdrola is progressing with two other photovoltaic facilities, Velilla and Virgen de Areños III, with a combined capacity of 400 MW. Last year, the company successfully initiated its first photovoltaic plant in the province of Burgos, Revilla-Vallejera, with a capacity of 50 MW. Furthermore, Iberdrola has recently completed the construction and commenced commissioning of the Villarino photovoltaic plant, also with a 50 MW capacity, located in Salamanca. As the world seeks cleaner energy solutions, initiatives like these set the stage for a greener and more sustainable future.

Writing by Kevin Wood; Editing by Sarah White