Statkraft Aims to Expand Renewable Capacity in Extremadura with Zajuril Complex
Statkraft Europe’s pioneering renewable energy producer and global PPA leader plans to develop a new renewable complex in Cáceres, Extremadura. The Zajuril project will add four photovoltaic solar plants with a combined installed capacity of 492 MW, backed by an anticipated investment of 295 million euros.
José Miguél Ferrer, Statkraft’s managing director for Spain, announced these plans at the launch of the Talayuela III facility. Zajuril would mark a second major Extremadura project for Statkraft, alongside Talayuela Solar and Talayuela II, which are already in operation in the same region. Ferrer highlighted that Zajuril exemplifies Statkraft’s commitment to Extremadura, noting the strong local involvement and the integration of the projects with the regional economy.
Representing the regional government, Mercedes Morán, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Sustainable Development, attended the event, along with Talayuela’s mayor Roberto Baños and Norwegian Ambassador Nils Haugstveit. Morán emphasized the energy transition’s role in advancing Extremadura’s economy and social development and spoke about identifying policies to maximize social benefits for towns hosting new projects while aiming to lower energy costs for municipalities and local industries. She thanked Statkraft for its regional commitment.
Baños noted that renewable energy projects like Talayuela Solar and Talayuela II create jobs and contribute positively to the local economy, underscoring the concrete employment benefits tied to these plants.
In the Zajuril complex, four facilities are planned: Pinea, Calzadilla, Ahigal-Cerezo, and Guijo. The Pinea plant would reach 150 MW and span Coria and Guijo de Coria. Calzadilla is planned at 114 MW in Cáceres municipality of Calzadilla. Ahigal-Cerezo would total 137 MW across the Ahigal Cerezo municipalities. Guijo would be the smallest at 91 MW, located in Guijo de Coria and Calzadilla.
Construction of these plants is targeted for 2028, and once operational they are expected to supply clean, domestically produced electricity to more than 340,000 homes annually. The projects would also avoid emitting about 309,426 tons of CO2 each year, reinforcing the shift toward renewable energy in the region.
The Zajuril development is projected to generate regional employment during construction, with an estimate of about 1,500 jobs. Statkraft plans to prioritize local sourcing and hiring, potentially employing around 600 residents from the region during construction.
Statkraft views Zajuril as part of a broader approach in Extremadura, following its existing Talayuela plants as a benchmark for economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Environmentally, the company is designing measures to protect ecosystems and to enhance biodiversity in Extremadura’s rangeland habitats.
Talayuela II, a 55.2 MWp solar plant inaugurated recently, supplies clean energy to about 34,000 homes and avoids more than 20,000 tons of CO2 annually. The facility is near Talayuela Solar and shares energy evacuation infrastructure. The project involved an investment exceeding 34 million euros and generated over 200 construction jobs, with a priority on local hiring and local procurement exceeding 350,000 euros to date.
Statkraft maintains a strong focus on circular economy practices, including monitoring and recycling of materials and waste. Waste recycling during construction reached about 90%, and ongoing measures are planned for operation and eventual dismantling phases. An Environmental Integration Plan supports biodiversity preservation, particularly protecting oaks in the Dehesa landscape and ensuring minimal disruption throughout the project lifecycle. Additional measures include planting native vegetation along site boundaries, creating a 5,000 m² pond to encourage birdlife such as bee-eaters and diggers, and installing nest boxes and shelters for owls, kestrels, reptiles, and arthropods.
Innovation is a priority for Talayuela II as well. Statkraft recently secured 2.5 million euros from the government for a storage project at the facility. The plan involves installing a 21.6 MW battery system with a two-hour discharge, aimed at improving grid management and energy security, with operations expected in 2025.
Extremadura as a Core Region for Statkraft
Statkraft continues expanding its footprint in Extremadura, reinforcing the region’s status as a central area of activity in Spain. The company operates Talayuela Solar, a 300 MW facility acclaimed for its sustainability measures, including conservation areas spanning hundreds of hectares and biodiversity initiatives such as floating vegetation islands, bird perches, and shelters for reptiles. This project has earned recognition from the Sustainable Excellence seal for meeting high sustainability standards.
Overall, Statkraft’s presence in Extremadura demonstrates a commitment to sustainable energy, local economic development, and biodiversity protection as part of a long-term energy transition strategy for the region. The company’s ongoing initiatives emphasize collaboration with local communities and authorities to maximize social and environmental benefits.
Endnotes and attributions: information derived from Statkraft announcements and regional government statements related to the Zajuril complex and Talayuela projects.
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