A story of energy in transformation
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Palencia stood out as a pillar of energy production in Spain, thanks to the Velilla thermal power station, which used coal extracted from the rich deposits of the Palentina Mountain. However, the current reality is remarkably different, with the closure of the thermal power station and the mines that once drove its economy.
The legacy of energy in Palencia
Although the Velilla power plant has been dismantled, the province still has an energy infrastructure that includes hydroelectric plants and wind farms in towns such as Barruelo and Ampudia. These facilities allow Palencia to maintain an energy production greater than its consumption, although the economic impact of these renewable sources is considerably less than that once generated by mining or the construction of reservoirs.
New sources of employment and development
The Palencia economy has found new drivers in the automobile industry, with the Renault plant in Villamuriel standing out, as well as in the food industry, where Aguilar de Campóo has established itself as the biscuit capital of Spain. In addition, tourism and the proximity to Valladolid, just 42 km away, have contributed to the economic revitalization of the region.
Energy innovation: The Dueñas project
A milestone in the energy transition is taking place in Dueñas, where the construction of the largest battery-assisted hybrid complex in Spain is planned. This ambitious project, led by the German company ABO Energy, combines wind and solar energy generation with a battery storage system, marking a significant step towards a sustainable future.
Project details
The Las Cabañas wind farm will have a capacity of 425 MW, complemented by a 263 MW photovoltaic installation and a 175 MW storage system. According to ABO Energy, this capacity will be enough to supply half a million homes, a considerable advance compared to existing installations in the region.
The energy future of Palencia
As the province adapts to the new energy reality, other significant projects are being developed, such as a 350 MW photovoltaic power plant in Guardo, where the Velilla thermal power plant was previously located. As Palencia moves towards a more sustainable model, it is clear that the shift towards renewable energy is creating new opportunities and challenges for its population.
Palencia’s history in the energy sector is a clear example of how a region can reinvent itself and adapt to changing times, marking the beginning of a new era of sustainability and progress.
