Zelestra and SHELL ENERGY start operations at a new solar plant

Zelestra, a global, multi-technology, customer-focused energy company, and Shell Energy Europe Limited, celebrated the start of operations of the new 54 MWdc Cañada Alta solar PV plant today. The €35 million project, located in Murcia, was financed by BBVA.

The event was attended by the president of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia, Fernando López Miras, the Councillor for the Environment, Universities, Research and Mar Menor, Juan María Vázquez, the General Director of Industry, Energy and Mines, Federico Miralles, the third Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Urban Planning, Orchards and Environment of the City of Murcia, Antonio Navarro Corchón and the Head of the Energy Service of the Region of Murcia, Amador Ruiz Miñano.

The president of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia, Fernando López Miras, said: “Our region has become a favourable environment for the implementation of energy projects, thanks to a regulatory framework that facilitates their development. Public officials must accompany and support companies, eliminating obstacles and promoting a change full of opportunities for the energy transition”.

Zelestra will supply Shell with 105 GWh of clean energy per year for 10 years. The electricity generation could power the equivalent of more than 23,000 Spanish homes annually and 160 people as an average were employed during the construction phase. The clean energy generated will avoid the emission of approximately 34,500 tons of CO2 each year.

Luis Alvargonzález, Spain Country Manager of Zelestra, commented: “The inauguration of Cañada Alta represents a significant milestone for Zelestra. Working with leading clients such as Shell reinforces our mission to design and deliver quality projects and sustainable solutions that support both the energy transition in Spain and the decarbonisation objectives of our clients.”

Manuel Alfonso, Chief Financial Officer of Shell Spain and member of the Board of Directors, said: “In 2024, Shell supplied its customers with more than 300 TWh of electricity from its own assets or through third parties, a volume that is higher than Spain’s total consumption in one year. In Spain, in addition to strengthening our final sales of electricity and gas to large industrial consumers, we continue to increase our position as one of the main off takers in the country, having made 3GW of new renewable capacity viable. Spain is an important market for Shell and agreements like this show our commitment to this business, both here and in other countries.”

Zelestra operates eleven renewable energy plants in Spain with a project portfolio that currently exceeds 5 GW.