The Velilla photovoltaic complex, promoted by Energy planning in the municipality of Mantinos (province of Palencia), has completed its start-up process and is already feeding energy into the electrical grid. The official connection took place on March 15, after a construction phase that lasted about eight months and was carried out in a challenging climate.
With an investment close to 25 million euros and a combined power of approximately 36 MWpThis facility consolidates the company's presence in Castile and LeĂłn and adds to its portfolio of renewable energy projects in Spain. The complex represents a further step in the deployment of photovoltaic solar power generation in rural areas, contributing to diversifying economic activity in the area.
Technical characteristics of the Velilla complex in Palencia
The Velilla photovoltaic complex consists of three independent plants, named Velilla Rotonda I, Velilla Rotonda II and Velilla Rotonda III. Each of them has an installed capacity of 11,985 MWp in the first two cases and 11,99 MWp in the third, which puts the joint capacity at around 36 MWp total.
The facilities rely on a set of 19.500 bifacial photovoltaic modules in each plantThis technology allows the panel to capture radiation from both the front and back. This technical solution improves energy efficiency, especially on surfaces with adequate ground reflectance.
With regards to land occupationeach plant extends over a 27,81 hectares, an area similar to 39 football fields approximately. This extension has been designed to optimize the arrangement of the trackers and panels, balancing energy production with integration into the agricultural landscape of the municipality of Mantinos.
The construction has taken place over a period of time. eight months of work conditioned by adverse weather eventsThese challenges have required tight planning and constant coordination among the teams on the ground. Despite these difficulties, the grid connection schedule has been met within the planned timeframe.
Energy production, homes supplied and emissions reduction
Each of the three facilities has a estimated electricity production of about 18,5 GWh per yearAdding the energy generated by Velilla Rotonda I, II and III, the combined annual production exceeds 55 GWh, which represents a significant contribution to the renewable electricity mix of Castilla y LeĂłn and Spain.
That volume of energy will allow cover annual electricity consumption approximately 21.000 homesThis is based on average domestic electricity consumption. In this way, the complex contributes to moving towards a more diversified electricity supply model, with a greater emphasis on sources free of direct emissions.
From an environmental point of view, the commissioning of Velilla will entail the avoiding around 130.000 tons of COâ‚‚ per year compared to equivalent scenarios with fossil fuel generation. This contribution aligns with the decarbonization targets set at the European and national levels, as well as with regional energy transition strategies.
The energy produced by the plants will not only be fed into the electrical grid, but will It will form part of Planea EnergĂa's 100% renewable supply offerThe company directs this energy to both companies and SMEs and industries, reinforcing its ability to offer contracts in which it can certify the renewable origin of the electricity it sells.
This model, based on having self-generation capacity linked to its marketing activityThis allows Planea EnergĂa to maintain greater consistency between what it produces and what it sells. It also facilitates greater control over energy volumes and their traceability, aspects increasingly valued by consumers and organizations committed to sustainability.
EPC model and integrated plant management
In the development of the Velilla photovoltaic complex, Planea EnergĂa has assumed the role of main contractor under the EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) modelThis means that the company has been fully responsible for all phases of the project, from the initial design to the final connection to the network.
This scope includes tasks such as Engineering and technical processing, planning and project managementThe acquisition of the main equipment and materials, the associated logistics, the civil and electrical works, and the electromechanical assembly of the installation. It has also managed the quality control and safety processes during construction.
The company has not only carried out the execution of the project, but also will assume the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of the complexThese services include remote monitoring of operating parameters, preventive and corrective maintenance, and the application of continuous performance optimization measures.
This comprehensive management approach aims to to ensure high plant availability and maximize its efficiency throughout its entire lifespanProper operation not only ensures stable energy production, but also helps to extend the life of the main equipment, improving the long-term profitability of the project.
By centralizing both the construction phase and the operation and maintenance services in a single company, a smoother coordination between design decisions, assembly criteria, and future operating needsThis reduces the likelihood of incidents and allows for more agile adjustments when opportunities for improvement are detected in the plant.
Local economic impact and environmental commitment
The construction phase of the Velilla photovoltaic complex has had a direct impact on the local economy. During the months of construction, there have been generated around 200 direct jobs, in addition to indirect jobs associated with supplies, support services, transport and other complementary activities.
This type of project usually drives the activity of small local businesses linked to construction, logistics or maintenancewho find in renewable energy an additional source of employment. Furthermore, they contribute to keeping people in rural areas by creating professional opportunities linked to a growing sector.
In environmental terms, Planea EnergĂa has incorporated the development of Velilla measures aimed at the recovery and conditioning of degraded areasThis type of action seeks to better integrate the facility into the landscape and compensate for the impacts associated with land occupation, promoting a more environmentally friendly implementation.
The project is part of a broader company strategy to boost a cleaner, more competitive energy model aligned with energy transition policies current in Spain and the European Union. The expansion of photovoltaic generation in territories such as Castile and LeĂłn reinforces the role of these communities in the production of renewable energy.
With the Velilla plant now operational, Planea EnergĂa has reached another milestone in its growth roadmap for the solar sector, consolidating its dual role as a generator and retailer. The Mantinos complex exemplifies this. How a medium-sized photovoltaic project can provide clean energy, local economic activity and emissions reduction, fitting into the current priorities of European and Spanish energy policy.
