Figueruelas, Zaragoza: A potential hub for Stellantis’ battery factories
Figueruelas in the Zaragoza region stands at a crossroads of energy strategy and industrial ambition. The plant has already pioneered electric production by launching an electric model and became the first in Spain to assemble Opel, Peugeot, and Citröen across multiple brands. It also led the way in installing photovoltaic panels around its extensive manufacturing complex to curb energy costs. These factors, complemented by a recently signed collective bargaining agreement, are cited as key elements that could convince Stellantis to locate a major gigafactory for battery powered vehicles in Zaragoza. Yet, the board has not reached a final decision.
Earlier attempts by competitors influenced the landscape. After two rejections from Volkswagen and competing bids elsewhere, the region has seen options proposed for Sagunto on the Valencia coast and a large complex in England. Villanueva de Gállego in Zaragoza was among the contenders but did not prevail in the final rounds. This moment marks a renewed attempt for a third viable option on Spanish soil.
During a visit in April this year, the company’s leadership signaled continued interest in a large-scale facility on the Iberian Peninsula, with a focus on Spain and particularly Zaragoza. While official statements from Stellantis have been scarce, comments in broader conversations about leadership and investment in Europe stress that the competitiveness of the sites will determine future moves. Energy cost, regulatory clarity, and high-quality facilities are repeatedly highlighted as decisive factors in any investment calculus. Figueruelas is presented as a site that aligns with many of these criteria, according to recent assessments (Industry discussions, 2024).
200 million from Perte Vec II
Plans for a colossal Stellantis factory envision a capacity surpassing 40 gigawatts and an ambition to secure roughly 200 million euros through the Perte Vec II program. Reports from a major business daily suggest that the complex would be situated at the Zaragoza production site. Public authorities have remained cautious, indicating that the final decision will accompany the formal resolution of aid and financing (Expansión, 2024). In this evolving scenario, provincial and national agencies continue to observe how funding allocations will unfold, awaiting official confirmation.
Within the same frame, the Aragon regional office and Stellantis have discussed additional funding streams tied to the second Perte Vec call. The objective is to support the development of the STLA Small platform, the group’s new architecture for compact electric vehicles. While the outcome of grant decisions remains pending, the emphasis on advanced electrification underscores the strategic aim of the region to attract high-end manufacturing and skilled jobs (Regional industry briefings, 2024).
In parallel, there is recognition that the ultimate benefit of a gigafactory hinges on more than just capital. The realization of this project would depend on how funds are allocated for the platform’s launch and how quickly the supply chain can be synchronized with the broader European rollout. The potential impact on Vigo and Zaragoza’s expansion plans has been noted by observers, highlighting the competition among major Spanish sites for this flagship investment (Industry commentators, 2024).
The appeal of renewable energy
If a decisive factor exists in selecting a location for a gigafactory, it is energy cost. Figueruelas continues to expand its renewable energy initiatives, with plans to increase photovoltaic capacity at the facility. The southern zone of the plant is already active, and the northern phase is moving forward to install wind power units. When complete, the wind and solar components are expected to contribute a meaningful share of the plant’s energy needs, reinforcing the site’s energy resilience (Stellantis energy updates, 2024).
Projected developments for the near term include bringing the total renewable capacity to about 50 megawatts. This would allow around 80 percent of the plant’s electricity consumption to be sourced from renewable resources, substantially lowering operating costs and reducing dependence on external suppliers. With such progress, the Figueruelas facility is often described as a leading example of energy self-sufficiency in the automotive sector (Energy and manufacturing reports, 2024).
There is a broader narrative at play: the shift toward energy-intensive manufacturing benefits disproportionately from strong local renewable infrastructure. The plant’s ongoing expansions—coupled with the ongoing quest for favorable energy and regulatory conditions—position Figueruelas as a focal point in the broader European strategy for electric vehicle production and decarbonization (European energy and manufacturing outlook, 2024).
In sum, the coming months are poised to reveal whether Figueruelas will be chosen as the European hub for Stellantis’ next generation of gigafactories. The combination of plant capabilities, cost competitiveness, and a robust renewable energy backbone strengthens the case for Zaragoza as a strategic site in the group’s long-term electrification roadmap. The outcome will depend on official funding decisions and the final assessment of site competitiveness across all bidders (Continued industry coverage, 2024).
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