Naturgy Brings Zorita I And II Solar Plants Online, Adding 100 MW And Pushing Its Renewable Capacity In Spain Beyond 5.5 GW

Naturgy has brought the Zorita I and Zorita II photovoltaic plants into operation. These facilities are located near the former José Cabrera Nuclear Power Plant, between the municipalities of Almonacid de Zorita and Zorita de los Canes in the province of Guadalajara. Their commissioning marks another important step in Naturgy’s ongoing transformation strategy and its commitment to driving the energy transition. With these additions, the company now has more than 5.5 GW of renewable energy capacity in operation across Spain.

Each of the two solar farms is equipped with around 92,000 photovoltaic panels and has a capacity of 50 MW. Together, they are expected to generate more than 200 GWh of renewable electricity every year, enough to meet the annual consumption needs of approximately 60,000 households—equivalent to supplying the entire city of Guadalajara for one year. The development of Zorita I and II required an investment of €51 million and created nearly 600 direct and indirect jobs during construction. Once in operation, the plants will help avoid the emission of 133,100 tons of CO₂ annually, comparable to removing 55,472 vehicles from the road.

The projects were built on a disused gravel pit and were designed to blend naturally into the surrounding environment while preserving local biodiversity. Construction was carried out with care to protect the existing plant reserve, mature trees, and ecological features. Bird diverters were installed along the evacuation line to safeguard avian species.

Naturgy has also implemented an Environmental Restoration Measures Program in the nearby Soto del Río Tajo River Reserve. This initiative focuses on restoring the riparian ecosystem through actions such as managing invasive species like watercress and the European pond turtle, conserving pine forests, reforesting with white poplar, studying waterfowl associated with marshland vegetation, and monitoring the beaver population identified in the area.

To further enhance landscape integration, a vegetation screen and perimeter berm will be installed at the most visible points of the facilities. In addition, a perimeter pathway is being developed to allow public access for recreational, educational, and environmental activities. This project supports the development of an area designated as a “just transition zone” by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, reinforcing Naturgy’s long-term commitment to sustainability and regional value creation. With the commissioning of these two solar plants, Naturgy now reaches 1,300 MW of operational renewable energy capacity in Castilla-La Mancha.