Iberdrola, a leading Spanish utility company, is set to enhance its renewable energy portfolio with the development of the Hidro Cedillo project, an 86.4 MW hybrid generation plant located in the Extremadura community. The project will incorporate more than 160,000 PV modules with a fixed structure.
Hybridization, as emphasized by Iberdrola, allows for the optimization of grid usage and minimizes environmental impact by combining different technologies. By integrating multiple technologies, such as wind and solar, the project aims to reduce dependence on changing environmental conditions, ensuring stable and efficient renewable energy production.
This initiative follows Iberdrola's recent announcement about the construction of Spain's first hybrid wind-solar plant in Burgos. The company plans to make further investments in hybrid technology in the coming years, aiming to enhance Spain's renewable resources and maximize the utilization of existing locations.
Hybrid generation plants offer advantages such as shared grid connection points, infrastructures, and common operational facilities, leading to a reduced environmental impact compared to independent plants. Iberdrola's commitment to innovation and renewable leadership in Spain is reinforced by these initiatives.
The Hidro Cedillo project will implement measures to protect the environment and enhance biodiversity in the surrounding area. These include the construction of additional water points, a watering trough for livestock, and naturalized ponds for wildlife. The company also plans to mark exclusion zones to safeguard various environmental features.
Extremadura has emerged as a key growth region for Iberdrola in Spain, with nearly 5.2 GW of installed capacity, including hydroelectric, solar, and battery stations. The region hosts several solar PV projects, including Cedillo (375 MW), Majada Alta (50 MW), San Antonio (50 MW), and Almaraz I and II plants (80 MW).
Notably, Iberdrola has introduced the first solar community for an entire village in Cedillo, providing residents and traders with substantial savings through a self-consumption system. This solar community recently received recognition as the best sustainability initiative in Europe with SolarPower Europe's Solar Sustainability Award 2023.
