Vidrala has officially inaugurated its photovoltaic installation in Llodio, Basque Country, Spain, together with the Basque Government’s Minister for Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability, Mikel Jauregi, and the Deputy Minister for Energy Transition, Irantzu Allende. The new facility will generate 100 percent renewable electricity for the plant’s self-consumption.
The new installation is one of the largest industrial self-consumption photovoltaic facilities in the Basque Country, with an installed capacity of 7 MW covering 30,000 square metres of industrial rooftop. The project represents an investment of EUR 3.2 million and has benefited from a 25 percent grant under the Basque Government’s self-consumption support programme, managed through the Basque Energy Agency (EVE).
The plant will increase the use of renewable energy in the production process at the Álava facility, which manufactures more than 500 million glass containers annually, while reducing CO2 emissions by 1,909 tonnes per year.
Through differentiated investments focused on the most advanced technological standards, greater energy efficiency, renewable electricity generation and a strong commitment to alternative energy sources, Vidrala continues to maintain one of the lowest emissions ratios in the industry and further strengthens its position as an international benchmark.
The new renewable electricity generation plant reflects Vidrala’s firm commitment to strengthening competitiveness, with energy autonomy and decarbonisation acting as key strategic drivers. The Group remains committed to ambitious yet selective investment, supporting sustainability projects focused on testing alternative energy sources whenever they are economically competitive, investing in self-generation and prioritising the use of recycled raw materials.
Compared with other packaging materials such as plastic or metal cans, glass stands apart. It is 100 percent, infinitely recyclable, its inert nature preserves what it contains while protecting people’s health, and it is present in life’s most important moments. Projects such as this reinforce its position as the packaging material of the future.