Stellantis has announced the establishment of a manufacturing facility in Vigo with a clear goal: reach net zero carbon emissions by 2038. This project also features what is described as the largest rooftop photovoltaic power generation installation in Spain for self-consumption, showcasing a major commitment to sustainable energy within industrial operations.
Prosolia Energy will oversee the development of the Balaídos project, which will be executed in two phases and involves a total investment exceeding 12 million euros. The plan calls for the installation of 27,000 solar panels across roughly 170,000 square meters, a footprint that compares to about 24 football fields. The scale of the installation reflects a strategic approach to power generation, aiming to directly supply a significant portion of the plant’s energy needs from renewable sources.
The planned 18.78 MWp solar park at Vigo is projected to produce approximately 23.7 GWh of carbon-free electricity each year. This output would account for about 14 percent of the electricity consumed in the production processes at the facility, illustrating a meaningful contribution to the plant’s energy mix and a tangible step toward reduced emissions in the manufacturing cycle.
two stages
The first stage is set to commence in January 2023 and will involve the installation of more than 15,000 solar panels across an area exceeding 92,200 square meters on specific decks identified as ships, 01 and E. With an installed capacity of 10.83 MWp, this initial phase is expected to generate around 14.2 GWh of electricity annually, contributing substantially to the site’s early energy goals.
In the second phase, approximately 12,000 additional panels will be deployed, covering about 77,400 square meters. This expansion will add a capacity of 8 MWp and is projected to yield about 9.5 GWh of electricity per year. Together, the two stages are designed to complete the solar infrastructure in the near term, enabling the transfer of generated power to a designated post 0 distribution point within the factory’s electrical network.
The completion of the solar installation is anticipated by mid-next year, at which point the generated electricity will be integrated into the plant’s production processes, reinforcing the facility’s commitment to renewable energy and decarbonization efforts.
decarbonized electricity
With the installation underway, Stellantis Vigo has begun evaluating opportunities to broaden the park’s coverage to nearly the entire sheltered area of the plant. The vision includes using the generated photovoltaic energy not only for self-consumption but also for additional purposes such as hydrogen production or supplying surplus energy back to the electrical grid, where feasible.
Ignacio Bueno, director of Stellantis Vigo, commented on the broader strategy: the company is pursuing decarbonization across its production sites in parallel with its vehicle electrification programs. He noted that the vast footprint of the plant’s facilities provides an opportunity to develop this solar installation further, contributing to a lower carbon footprint for the business. This installation aligns with earlier efforts at other Stellantis sites in Zaragoza and Madrid, reinforcing the group’s regional commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.