A Bright Energetic Past
During the 19th and 20th centuries, the province of Palencia became a fundamental pillar in Spain’s energy production. The Velilla thermal power station, which operated with coal extracted from the Palencia Mountain deposits, and several reservoirs in the Carrión and Pisuerga rivers, were responsible for this remarkable contribution.
Transformation and Adaptation
With the closure of the thermal power station and the mines, Palencia has had to reinvent itself. Currently, hydroelectric plants and wind farms, such as those located in Barruelo and Ampudia, are the new sources of energy that allow the province to maintain a positive energy balance, thus exceeding its consumption.
Diversified Economy and New Opportunities
The current economic dynamism of Palencia is based on sectors such as the automobile industry, with the Renault factory in Villamuriel as a prominent example. In addition, the food industry, with Aguilar de Campóo as a reference in the production of biscuits, and tourism, join the proximity of Valladolid to maintain economic activity.
Energy Innovation: The Dueñas Project
In a new energy chapter, ABO Energy, a company with German capital, has started an innovative project in Dueñas. This hybrid installation, which combines wind, solar and storage energy, is positioned as the largest in Spain, with an environmental impact that has already requested an assessment.
Details of the Project
The wind farm of the project will contribute 425 MW, while the photovoltaic will add 263 MW, with a storage capacity of 175 MW. Together, this initiative is designed to meet the energy needs of up to half a million homes.
The Energy Future of Palencia
Currently, Palencia has the Ampudia wind farm, which generates 40 MW, and another in Barruelo de Santullán with 20 MW. In addition, a 350 MW photovoltaic plant is being built in Guardo, where the Velilla thermal plant was previously located, which had been one of the most powerful with 516 MW.
As Palencia moves towards a more sustainable energy model, the importance of innovation and diversification to face the challenges of the 21st century is highlighted.