The collaboration between Zelestra and Graphic Packaging International has resulted in the start-up of the José Cabrera solar plant, located in Pastrana (Guadalajara). This new photovoltaic park with a capacity of 50.4 MWdc, is part of a strategy of acquiring green energy through long-term PPA contracts, which is already reflected in the reduction of the packaging industry’s carbon footprint.
José Cabrera solar plant in figures and benefits
The project is part of a virtual power purchase agreement (vPPA) signed with Graphic Packaging, which includes two additional plants: Socovos II (Albacete, 33 MWdc), currently in operation, and Villamañán (León, 19 MWdc), which is expected to start operations before the end of the year.
The José Cabrera plant will supply approximately 83 GWh of clean electricity per year, enough to supply 24,000 homes in Spain. This volume of generation will avoid the emission of some 11,500 tons of CO2 per year, contributing to national decarbonization targets.
Castilla-La Mancha, axis of the energy transition
During the inauguration, representatives of the regional government underlined the key role of Castilla-La Mancha as a renewable energy hub. According to Alipio García Rodríguez, general director of Energy Transition, in 2024, 578 million euros were mobilized in renewable projects in the region, generating more than 3,500 direct jobs.
Zelestra already operates almost 600 MW of capacity in the autonomous community, and plans to continue its expansion with a national portfolio exceeding 6 GW. With EQT’s backing, the company consolidates its position as a strategic provider of energy solutions for the European industrial sector.
Environmental and social impact on the environment
The development of the plant included environmental actions aimed at conserving the biodiversity of the area. Bird nests and shelters were installed, raptor monitoring programs were implemented and the riparian vegetation of the Tagus River was restored. A vegetation screen was also established with native species to protect the local ecosystem.
The project generated direct employment during the construction phase and retains local personnel for operations and maintenance. This strategy not only improves environmental performance, but also strengthens the socioeconomic development of Pastrana and surrounding municipalities.
Graphic Packaging moves towards green electricity operations
Thanks to these energy agreements, Graphic Packaging estimates that 70% of the electricity purchased in the EMEA region will come from renewable sources. This transformation will halve the emissions generated by its packaging manufacturing activity in Europe, according to its international sustainability director, Elodie Bugnicourt.
Luis Alvargonzález, Zelestra’s country manager in Spain, highlighted that José Cabrera’s success reaffirms the company’s commitment to a clean, reliable and competitive energy model for the national productive fabric.
Source and photo: Zelestra