Zelestra And Graphic Packaging Launch 50.4 MWdc José Cabrera Solar Plant In Guadalajara, Advancing Spain’s Clean Energy Push

Zelestra, a global renewable energy company offering multiple clean technology solutions, and Graphic Packaging, an international leader in sustainable consumer packaging, have officially begun operations at the José Cabrera solar photovoltaic plant. The new 50.4 MWdc facility is located in Pastrana, Guadalajara, and marks an important step forward in both companies’ commitment to clean energy.

The José Cabrera plant is one of three solar projects being developed in Spain under a long-term virtual power purchase agreement (vPPA) with Graphic Packaging. The second project, Socovos II in Albacete with a capacity of 33 MWdc, has already become fully operational. The third project, Villamañán in León, which will supply 19 MWdc, is expected to come online before the end of the year. Together, these projects will significantly contribute to Graphic Packaging’s renewable electricity use in Europe.

The inauguration event was attended by Alipio García Rodríguez, Director General of Energy Transition for Castilla-La Mancha, and Sergio de la Fuente Gumiel, First Deputy Mayor of Pastrana. Speaking at the event, Alipio García Rodríguez emphasized the region’s leadership in renewable energy within Spain. He noted that Castilla-La Mancha continues to attract major clean energy projects due to strong public support for the energy transition and successful collaboration between government and private companies. According to him, renewable energy projects in 2024 mobilized €578 million and created 3,500 direct jobs across the region, highlighting the sector’s major economic and social impact.

The José Cabrera solar plant is expected to produce around 83 GWh of clean electricity every year. This amount of energy is equivalent to the annual consumption of approximately 24,000 households in Spain. By generating renewable power, the project will help prevent more than 11,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, contributing to national and regional climate goals.

Environmental protection has been a key part of the project. Several measures have been implemented to support local biodiversity and restore natural habitats. These include installing nesting boxes and wildlife shelters, setting up monitoring programs for large birds of prey, and improving habitats for endangered steppe birds. In addition, vegetation along the banks of the Tajo River has been restored, and a natural vegetation screen using native plant species has been created to enhance the ecological balance of the area.

The project has also supported local employment and community development. Nearly 200 people were hired during the construction phase, and additional jobs have been created for ongoing environmental monitoring, operations, and maintenance activities. These efforts have contributed to strengthening the local economy and generating opportunities for nearby communities.

Elodie Bugnicourt, Sustainability Director International at Graphic Packaging, explained that the collaboration with Zelestra has accelerated the company’s transition to renewable energy in Europe. With two solar parks already operational and a third underway, Graphic Packaging will receive guarantees of origin for a significant portion of the clean energy generated. This will increase the company’s renewable electricity consumption in the EMEA region to nearly 70 percent and cut greenhouse gas emissions from its regional manufacturing operations by about half.

Luis Alvargonzález, Spain Country Manager at Zelestra, highlighted that the successful completion of the José Cabrera project represents an important milestone for the company. He stated that the project reinforces Zelestra’s commitment to delivering clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions across Spain. Thanks to Graphic Packaging’s sustainability goals, all three solar projects will supply renewable power for many years, supporting Spain’s broader energy transition efforts. He also noted that Castilla-La Mancha plays a crucial role in achieving these goals, as Zelestra now has nearly 600 MW of projects operating in the region, backed by strong support from local authorities.

Overall, Zelestra has built a solid presence in Spain, with a project portfolio of more than 6 GW. This includes over 1.1 GW of projects that are already contracted, under construction, or operational. The company was recently recognized by BloombergNEF as one of the top 10 clean energy sellers globally for corporate customers, reflecting its growing influence in the renewable energy market.