On April 6, 2020, Europe’s largest photovoltaic plant became operational in southern Badajoz, Spain. Nestled among the small municipalities of Usagre (1,723 inhabitants), Hinojosa del Valle (480), and welcome (2021), this monumental project represents a significant milestone in the renewable energy sector . Until then, the largest solar array had been the Park Baskets in Bordeaux, France, which boasted a capacity of 300 megawatts (MW). In contrast, the Extremadura facility can produce a maximum power of 500 MW .
The construction of this solar plant was remarkable for both its scale and speed, completed in just 13 months despite the logistical challenges involved in assembly. A staggering 1,430,000 photovoltaic panels were installed on 288,000 foundations, supported by 47,774 structures and enabled through the collaboration of 115 investors . The total weight of the infrastructure reached an impressive 12,100 tons . Furthermore, two electrical substations were built, along with 3,200 containers, culminating in a total investment nearing €300 million . This investment was largely facilitated by an agreement between Iberdrola , the project’s developer, and the European Investment Bank (EIB) , with the latter contributing €145 million alongside an additional €140 million from the Official Credit Institute (ICO) .
Since its inception, the plant has exceeded production expectations , generating 754 GWh/year , resulting in a cumulative total of 3,372 GWh . This renewable output has supplied clean energy to approximately 231,000 homes . During construction, around 1,200 individuals (70% from Extremadura) were employed. Today, 21 permanent workers remain at the plant, with additional seasonal workers incorporated during maintenance and operational tasks that can add up to 12 more jobs temporarily.
Covering an expansive area of nearly 1,000 hectares —equivalent to more than 1,400 football fields —the plant marks a pivotal step in Iberdrola’s renewable energy strategy in Spain. Alongside this facility, seven other projects are underway in Cáceres , each contributing to a total of 2,342 MW generated from the region.
Locals are increasingly questioning the impact of such expansive projects on regional development. “Our investment plan is tightly woven with industrialization,” company representatives argue, highlighting how the infrastructures needed for such projects foster local industrial growth. Collaborators like Faramax , IMEDEXA , and Galvexa from nearby municipalities contribute to creating essential components including electric transformers and high-voltage towers. In addition, local municipalities benefit financially through taxes tied to both the construction and operational phases.
The positive sentiments around the solar plant are echoed by locals such as Francisco Robustillo , known as Quico. A revered retired professor, he notes improvements in local infrastructure and temporary job opportunities arising from the plant. However, he adds an important caveat, emphasizing that while public amenities have improved, the direct benefits in terms of electricity generation might not appear evident.
Judicial Controversies Surrounding the Project
However, the Núñez de Balboa plant has not been without its controversies. Nationwide, debates are intensifying around the leasing of agricultural land for massive energy installations. Critics argue that the land’s economic value often leads farmers to accept lucrative offers for land they rely on for their livelihoods. For instance, Santos Lázaro Arias , a 75-year-old farmer, found himself embroiled in legal disputes after signing a rental contract with an energy firm, believing he was engaging in normal agricultural practices rather than enabling the construction of a solar plant.
In cases like Arias’s, the Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of landowners, confirming that forced expropriation by Iberdrola was unjustified, thus restoring their rights to the land. The ongoing dialogues around land ownership and energy production echo broader questions of ethics and economic viability in renewable energy development.
While Iberdrola claims that the plant functions with public interest at its core, it faces skepticism regarding various legal actions and the implications of its influence over local governance. Judicial challenges even led to the prevarication charges against the former mayor and deputy mayor of Usagre, further adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
In the face of these challenges, Iberdrola contends that the focus must remain on the positive environmental impacts of the project and the clear advantages provided to local communities. Opponents, however, continue to question the validity of the claims regarding public benefits, leading to ongoing dialogues over the ethical implications of large-scale energy projects on agricultural lands.