Grupo Ingka, Ikea's 'retailer', has closed the purchase of its first two solar parks in Spain, an operation that represents an "important step" in boosting its presence in the renewable energy business in the Iberian Peninsula, the company announced this Thursday.
With this transaction, the Group integrates these assets into its Iberian portfolio within a broad global green energy portfolio, to which it has already allocated 4.3 billion euros in investments.
"The Iberian Peninsula is a priority market for us and these investments are designed to support a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy system in the long term," said Ingka's Head of Renewable Energy, Frederik de Jong.
Specifically, Ikea's investment arm has acquired a first photovoltaic park in Villasequilla (Toledo), which is already operational and produces around 51 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year, and a second project in Los Alcázares (Murcia), which will add another 55 GWh annually.
Together, both facilities will achieve a generation of 106 GWh of renewable energy each year, contributing to the increase in the capacity of this source in Spain in a context where local energy production is becoming "increasingly important".
Along with these new solar plants in Spanish territory, Ingka has also incorporated photovoltaic panels into its wind farm in Portugal, which has made it possible to increase production, reinforce grid stability, and make better use of the infrastructure already available.
On the other hand, the company's Sustainability Director, Karen Pflug, stressed that, as a global retail group, they consider it essential to collaborate in the development of "energy resilience and security" in the areas where they operate.
Overall, Grupo Ingka's expansion in Spain and Portugal demonstrates a "practical change" in how companies contribute to securing and diversifying renewable energy sources in the region.