Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar, has begun commercial operation of its photovoltaic plant "Villameca," one of the largest solar developments in Castilla y León. The installation is located in Benavides de Orbigo (León) and has a capacity of 200 megawatts (MWp), according to the company.
The company expects the complex to generate around 359,172 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable electricity per year, enough energy to supply more than 100,000 homes and avoid the emission of about 57,000 tons of CO2 annually, which, according to the developer's estimates, is equivalent to removing more than 12,000 cars from the roads.
"Villameca" thus joins the recently launched project "Rey Solar," of 426 MWp, in Carmona (Sevilla), and the project "Tordesillas," of 315 MWp, located between San Román de Hornija and Pedrosa de Rey (Valladolid), whose connection to the grid is scheduled for the end of this year.
With the commissioning of these three developments, Recurrent Energy expects its solar capacity in operation in Spain to be around one gigawatt (GW) by the end of the year.
The CEO of Recurrent Energy, Dylan Marx, emphasized that the start of commercial operation of "Villameca" represents "an important milestone" for the company and "strengthens its position in Europe."
"As we continue to expand our renewable energy project portfolio, we remain committed to generating lasting value in the communities where we operate. We are particularly proud of the impact of this project and the high level of social and biodiversity commitments achieved throughout its development," he stated.
Additionally, the plan contemplates that "Villameca" will hybridize with battery storage systems, which will reinforce decarbonization goals and contribute to increasing the stability of the electrical grid.