Iberdrola and the Asturian business group Exiom have created an alliance to lead the manufacture of photovoltaic solar panels in Spain. Thus, both companies will locate in the Asturian municipality of Langreo the first large photovoltaic construction plant in the country and one of the first on an industrial scale in Europe. The solar panel factory in the mining basin will come into operation this year, 2023.
The agreement with Exiom is part of Iberdrola’s efforts to attract part of the value chain linked to renewable energies to Spain. Specifically, solar energy. The aim is to turn Spain into a spearhead to lead this emerging sector from Europe. The Asturian region of Langreo will host the site for the construction of what will become the first large photovoltaic factory in Spain. The foreseen investment is 20 million euros and will contribute to the economic reactivation of the mining basins with the generation of 115 direct jobs in the area. Exiom is also a manufacturer with 100% Spanish capital, with origins in Asturias itself, and one of the only European groups to appear on the prestigious list of Tier 1 manufacturers.
The opening of this new factory in Europe responds to the interest of both companies in achieving a competitive manufacturing at EU level, focused in a first phase on solar panels with the possibility of extending the collaboration to other components of the photovoltaic value chain.
In addition, the initiative reinforces the commitment of both companies to the industrialization associated with the energy transition as reflected in the ‘Green Deal Industrial Plan’, recently presented by the European Commission. Both companies have been in permanent contact with the Government of the Principality of Asturias, given the dynamizing effect that the project will have on the region.
Iberdrola’s commitment to a sustainable energy model is part of its PERSEO program to promote the development of start-ups and innovative industrial companies working in new areas of electrification and in sectors that are difficult to decarbonize.
The PERSEO program has €40 million, through Perseo Venture Builder, specifically to launch industrial initiatives that can be developed in the field of energy transition.
Since its creation in 2008, PERSEO has invested 175 million euros in businesses that develop innovative technologies, focusing on those that will improve the sustainability of the energy sector through greater electrification and decarbonization of the economy.