As we know, Spain has great potential in renewable energy. Solar, wind and hydroelectric power have a bright future in Spain due to the relief and climate. Many autonomous communities have increased the use of renewable energy to cover electricity demand. However, few have made as much progress in solar energy as Extremadura, a region that has established itself as a benchmark for solar energy not only nationally, but also in Europe.
Extremadura: A benchmark in solar energy
Currently, Extremadura is the region of Spain that covers the most electricity thanks to solar energy, specifically through photovoltaic and solar thermal energy. In 2015, these two energy sources managed to cover an impressive 65% of the energy demand of the region, a unique figure in Spain.
The regional minister for the Economy and Infrastructure, José Luis Navarro, highlighted at the time that *Extremadura has become a national benchmark in terms of the use of renewable energy*, and that no other autonomous community had achieved such figures of green self-sufficiency.
The importance of photovoltaic energy in Extremadura
Although various studies have already pointed out the potential of the region, current data underscores the scope of photovoltaic energy. Extremadura has almost 3.106 hours of sunshine per year, a figure that places this community among the regions with the most solar radiation in Europe. This large number of hours of light has allowed solar energy to be the future not only in terms of sustainability, but also in economic terms.
In 2023, Extremadura will become Spain's leading region in solar photovoltaic energy production, with 9.167 GWh, representing a growth of 31,9% compared to the previous year. This region has also been responsible for the installation of one third of the new photovoltaic megawatts in the country in that year.
Energy policies: Key to success
Extremadura's success in renewable energy production is largely due to the energy policies implemented from 2007 to 2011. These policies enabled the installation of various solar plants and encouraged investment in clean energy, both for local consumption and for export to other communities.
However, since 2012, with the arrival of the Mariano Rajoy government, there has been a setback in policies supporting renewable energy, which has slowed down progress in the solar sector. Despite this obstacle, the region has managed to remain at the forefront of clean energy production.
Flagship projects in the region
Some of the most notable photovoltaic energy projects in the region include the Extremadura I, II and III complex, inaugurated in 2023 in Almendralejo (Badajoz), with a capacity of 125 MWp. This plant has 234.640 photovoltaic modules and is capable of supplying more than 65,000 homes, producing approximately 257 GWh of clean electricity per year.
Recently, the multinational Statkraft has announced its intention to invest in a renewable complex in Cáceres, known as Zajuril, which will consist of four solar plants with a total capacity of 492 MW. This large project will involve an investment of 295 million euros, and its development is expected to generate more than 1.500 jobs in the region.
Other projects in development
The advance in solar energy production does not stop here. By 2024, the region is expected to exceed 30,000 GWh of annual production, with solar energy being the main driver of this growth. The installation of new solar plants is constantly increasing, with more than 1.200 new MW expected annually in the coming years.
Among the projects under development is the Extremadura Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PEIEC) 2021-2030, which pursues the ambitious goal of ensuring that 100% of the energy produced in Extremadura comes from renewable sources by the end of the decade.
The push for self-consumption
A key aspect in the development of renewable energies in Extremadura has been the rise of self-consumption, which has grown exponentially in recent years. In 2022, more than 5.275 new self-consumption installations were installed, representing an increase of 345% compared to the previous year. Of these, the vast majority were private installations, reflecting the enormous interest of citizens in clean energy.
These data underline the importance of the democratisation of energy in Extremadura, where solar energy is no longer just a matter of large plants, but where more and more citizens and small businesses are following the path of self-consumption to reduce costs and generate their own clean energy.
Green hydrogen: the future role of Extremadura
The future of energy in Extremadura is not limited to solar energy alone. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in green hydrogen as a new source of clean energy. The Regional Government of Extremadura has signed an agreement with ENAGÁS for the development of renewable hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure. This energy source is set to play a key role in the future decarbonisation of the economy and in sectors such as industry, transport and the residential sector.
The Autonomous Community aims to be a major player in the production of green hydrogen, with estimates that 3 GW could be generated through electrolysis by 2030.
Thanks to the advances in photovoltaic energy, hydroelectric energy and biomass, the forecasts for the coming years are extraordinary. Extremadura is well positioned not only to remain a national leader in renewable energy generation, but also to become a key hub for the energy transition at a European level.
Efforts are also focused on ensuring that the benefits derived from energy production remain in the region, strengthening sectors such as construction, the metal industry and engineering services associated with renewable plants.
Betting on Extremadura as a leader in renewable solar energy is not only an environmental decision, but also a clear commitment to economic development, job creation and sustainable technological progress.
Extremadura is at the forefront of renewable energy, and its role in the future of clean energy is indisputable.