Global energy and electricity provider Iberdrola announced a commitment to make significant investments in renewable energy in Andalusia, aiming to reach potential energy generation of 3,000 megawatts over the next five years. The company anticipates that the initiative will represent an investment of nearly €1.5 billion, and create 5,500 new jobs through construction and assembly.

Iberdrola announced the new initiative during the inauguration of its Andévalo photovoltaic plant. The new plant consists of 150,000 photovoltaic panels and will avoid the emission of 15,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere every year.

Iberdrola Chairman, Ignacio Galán said:

“Andévalo is an example of the operations we are undertaking in Andalusia to triple our renewable potential in the region to 3,000 MW over the next 5 years.”

It will supply 100% renewable energy to Heineken España, making it possible for the brewing company to completely decarbonise the energy consumption of its four production plants in Spain as well as its offices.

Guillaume Duverdier, Chairman of Heineken España, said:

“The sun is the new secret ingredient for the beers in the Heineken family. Our beers produced with the power of the sun contribute to regenerating the environment, using a source of richness that promises us millions of years free from emissions. A unique natural resource which in Spain offers us more than 600 times the energy we consume and represents an essential element in the culture, character and colour of the social life of the Spanish people. Because we are all winners in the fight against climate change: nature wins, and the economy wins.”

According to Iberdrola, Andalusia is becoming one of its largest growth centers in Spain. Iberdrola is already the largest provider of wind power in the region, with an installed renewable capacity of 900 MW.

Iberdrola has picked up the pace of its development of renewable energy generation worldwide, with €10 billion of investments made this year into renewables, more than double the level of recent years. The company currently operates 32,700 renewable MW globally, with over 16,600 MW in Spain, and has a renewable projects portfolio of over 58 GW.

Galán added:

“This is Iberdrola’s commitment: to drive a clean, safe and efficient energy transition and unite forces to accelerate a green recovery that leaves no-one behind.”