Planta/Parque Solar | The Ekienea solar park in Euskadi (Armiñón, Álav – Basque Country, Spain)

### Spain's solar miracle: How this project reconciles climate protection and agriculture ### More than just panels: This solar park will become a paradise for animals and plants ### 70 million for the future: Spain's new solar park creates jobs and protects nature ### Basque Country's energy revolution: A solar park that supplies electricity to 47,500 households ### The green transformation succeeds: Why Europe's eyes are on this Spanish solar park ###

Moving towards sustainable electricity generation in the Basque Country

In Armiñón, Álava, the Ekienea solar park is the most significant photovoltaic project in the Basque Country to date. The approval for the construction of the facility, featuring 231,000 solar modules, represents a milestone and underscores the region's ambitions in renewable energy. Jointly financed by Iberdrola, the Basque Energy Agency (EVE), the engineering company Krean (Mondragón Group), and the Álava Provincial Government, the project will generate both economic and environmental benefits.

Structure of the project and cooperation partners

Ekienea is a prime example of a public-private partnership. With Iberdrola as the majority shareholder (75 percent), EVE (18 percent), Krean (5 percent), and the Provincial Government of Álava (2 percent), the ownership structure is broadly based. The Armiñón site is strategically located near key infrastructure links and allows for effective integration into the existing power grid via a 17-kilometer high-voltage line to the Puentelarrá substation. The facility will cover 200 hectares, of which 100 hectares are earmarked for solar modules and 100 hectares for nature conservation measures and the preservation of forest areas.

Technical specifications and capacity

Once completed, the solar farm will have a capacity of 125.89 megawatts – almost three times the region's currently installed ground-based capacity of around 50 megawatts. An additional 150 megawatts are registered for self-consumption from rooftop systems. This increase puts the Basque Country at the forefront of the region and opens up the possibility of supplying approximately 47,500 households with clean electricity annually. The projected annual production amounts to 155 gigawatt hours.

Social and economic significance

The €70 million investment in the solar park will primarily boost the local economy and employment. Up to 300 new jobs are planned during the peak construction phases, supplemented by permanent positions for the operation and maintenance of the lighting system. Municipalities will also benefit through new revenue streams and the strengthening of regional infrastructure.

Integration into regional development

The initiators paid particular attention to the sustainable integration of the project into the surrounding area. In addition to the actual energy areas, a significant portion of the site will be used for offsetting measures, including reforestation and the protection of existing forest areas. Ekienea thus follows the guidelines for environmentally friendly expansion of renewable energies, which are firmly anchored in the Basque Energy Plan.

Integration of nature conservation and biodiversity

Measures to increase and preserve biodiversity are an integral part of the concept. A 150-meter-wide buffer strip planted with native oak and shrub cover will be created from the edge of the Lacorzana lagoon. An ecological corridor will connect the lagoon to the solar power plant and existing river floodplains. Additional areas will be reforested with moisture-loving woody plants such as ash and alder. In addition, artificial ponds and habitats for amphibians and other animals will be created through rock and wood accumulation.

Examples of biodiversity-promoting measures

• Planting wild plant strips between rows of modules
• Creation of small-scale habitats for reptiles and ground-nesting bird species
• Extensive use of the space between the modules as pasture for sheep
• Diversified Agri-PV with organically managed vegetable and fruit growing region

The integration of sheep farming, fruit plantations, biointensive vegetable cultivation (in greenhouses and open fields) and fodder crops for agricultural use enables multifunctional land use, as required by the latest European nature conservation regulations.

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At the heart of this technological advancement is the deliberate departure from conventional clamp fastening, which has been the standard for decades. The new, more time- and cost-effective mounting system addresses this with a fundamentally different, more intelligent concept. Instead of clamping the modules at specific points, they are inserted into a continuous, specially shaped support rail and held securely. This design ensures that all forces occurring – be they static loads from snow or dynamic loads from wind – are evenly distributed across the entire length of the module frame.

More about it here:

• Clicking instead of screwing: This ingenious system builds solar parks 40% faster and revolutionizes the energy transition

Environmental relevance and contribution to climate protection

Ekienea avoids approximately 12,400 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually and contributes to the decarbonization of the region. This supports the Basque government's goal of gradually converting its energy supply from fossil fuels to renewables, especially photovoltaics. The solar park serves as a model for other projects that combine biodiversity with electricity generation.

Innovation and technological development

Collaboration with renowned regional companies serves as a catalyst for technological innovation. Companies such as Ingeteam, Arteche, Ormazabal, and Haizea Wind are supplying components, control systems, and IT solutions. The project also offers space for research and further development of Agri-PV and Biodiv-PV models, as well as for testing innovative module designs that achieve ecological and economic synergies.

Digitization and optimization

The project sponsor, EVE, has consistently advanced the digitalization of operational processes, as well as the consolidation and improvement of reporting and planning structures. Modern monitoring systems allow for the continuous monitoring of electricity yields, biodiversity, and ecological development on the site.

Spain's solar energy in the European context

Spain is one of the leading nations in the European solar sector, particularly in ground-mounted systems. With 36 gigawatts of installed capacity, Spain ranks second in Europe after Germany. Its ambitious expansion agenda envisages further increasing gigawatt capacity by 2030. The sector's economic momentum has been sustainably strengthened by investments, a high number of new jobs (over 160,000 in 2023), and targeted government support programs such as the PERTE for renewable energies.

Challenges and opportunities

Rising demand, Europe-wide targets, and the increased use of large areas for solar parks pose challenges for the industry in terms of permitting, land conflicts, and a shortage of skilled workers. At the same time, model projects like the one in Armiñón demonstrate that innovative concepts and the intelligent integration of agriculture and nature conservation can create sustainable added value.

The Armiñón site: geography, infrastructure and history

The tranquil town of Armiñón has historically been one of Álava's most industrially-oriented communities. Today, agriculture and a growing service sector shape the local economy. The solar park brings new added value and enriches the community with pioneering infrastructure. Traditional festivals, historic buildings, and a natural environment round out the region's profile as a livable and innovative location.

The role of the duck Vasco de la Energía (EVE)

The Basque Energy Agency (EVE) assumes key responsibilities in energy planning, implementing climate and energy targets, and promoting energy efficiency and renewable technologies. As a partner in projects like Ekienea, the agency acts as a bridge-builder between government, businesses, and society. It coordinates international cooperation, organizes continuing education programs, and supports innovative research projects.

Future outlook: Sustainable development and model character

Ekienea not only modernizes the Basque Country's energy supply, but also demonstrates that solar parks can act as drivers for regional development, the labor market, and the promotion of biodiversity. The integration of agricultural land, livestock farming, and consciously designed nature conservation measures demonstrates how synergies between the economy, ecology, and society can be achieved.

Perspectives for European and global energy policy

The experiences gained from the construction and operation of Ekienea will be incorporated into the energy policies of Spain and the EU. They will promote the exchange of best-practice concepts and encourage the further development of biodiversity-promoting solar power plants. The solar park will become a pioneer for a modern, targeted expansion of renewable energies, in which economic growth and nature conservation go hand in hand.

Pioneer of a new energy and land use culture

Ekienea exemplifies a new era of sustainable energy production that combines regional economic growth, climate protection, and biodiversity. The pioneering measures on over 200 hectares demonstrate that the integration of ecological, economic, and social goals is possible with an intelligent concept and strong partners. For Spain, Europe, and the global energy transition, the project offers inspiration for how green transformation can succeed: in harmony with people, nature, and technology.

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The heart of ModuRack's innovation is its departure from conventional clamp fastening. Instead of clamps, the modules are inserted and held in place by a continuous support rail.

More about it here:

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From industrial roof PV to solar parks to larger solar parking spaces

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Konrad Wolfenstein

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