Iberdrola’s Ekienea Project Secures Key Government Approval, Paving Way For The Basque Country’s Largest 125-MW Solar Plant To Begin Operations In 2027

On 22 December 2025, Ekienea, a company led by Iberdrola España, received prior governmental authorisation from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge. This approval marks a major milestone for the project and strengthens its plan to begin operations in 2027. The project will become the largest photovoltaic plant in the Basque Country. It is being developed through a partnership in which Iberdrola España holds a 75 percent stake, the Basque Energy Agency (EVE) holds 18 percent, Krean of the Mondragón Corporation holds 5 percent, and the Provincial Council of Álava participates with a 2 percent stake through Enargi.

This collaboration brings together national energy leaders, regional institutions, and local stakeholders to support a large-scale renewable energy initiative. Ekienea will be located in the municipality of Armiñón in Álava. With a planned capacity of 125 megawatts, it will significantly surpass EKIAN, another solar plant located in Ribera Baja that was inaugurated in 2020 with 24 MW of installed power. The project has already obtained approval through a Special Plan, which allows it to be built on non-developable land, as well as a favourable Environmental Impact Statement issued in May. These approvals provide the legal and environmental foundation needed for construction to move forward.

The total investment for the Ekienea photovoltaic plant is estimated at €90 million. Once operational, it will generate clean and locally produced energy primarily linked to industrial self-consumption. The plant is expected to produce around 155 GWh of electricity each year, equivalent to the annual consumption of approximately 45,000 households. By doing so, it will help reduce around 15,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, contributing directly to the Basque Country’s goals for decarbonisation and industrial competitiveness.

Ekienea also aligns with several regional policy frameworks. It supports the objectives of the Energy Transition and Climate Change Act, which aims for the Basque Country to reach climate neutrality by 2050. It is also part of the Euskadi 2030 Industry Plan, which includes a transformative project focused on the development of renewable energy. This plan aims to promote 550 MW of new wind and solar installations by 2028, and Ekienea represents a major contribution toward reaching that target.

The project is expected to create up to 300 jobs during construction peaks, in addition to ongoing roles for management and maintenance. This will support economic activity in the surrounding area and reinforce the connection between renewable energy development and local growth. Ekienea will cover a total of 200 hectares. Half of this land will be used for the photovoltaic installation itself, while the other half will be set aside for environmental compensation measures and forest conservation. This approach ensures that the project contributes to renewable energy production while also taking care to preserve natural areas.

The developers have also planned several initiatives to ensure coexistence with local biodiversity. A 150-metre buffer zone will be established around the edge of the Lacorzana Lagoon, planted with gall oaks and shrubs. A reforested wildlife corridor will connect the lagoon to the photovoltaic plant, and another 15-hectare corridor will link the lagoon to the banks of the Zadorra River, planted with ash and alder trees. In addition, three ponds will be created in selected areas near the wildlife corridor, along with shelters made from stones, logs, and other natural materials to support amphibians and reptiles. These measures aim to protect and enhance the surrounding ecosystem while integrating renewable energy production into the landscape.