Solarig to Develop One of the Most Innovative Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Plants in the World

(Solarig) • Solarig has reached an agreement with SOMACYL (Sociedad Pública de Infraestructuras y Medio Ambiente de Castilla y León) to acquire 116,000 square metres to the project called ‘NUMANTIA SAF’ in Parque Empresarial del Medio Ambiente (PEMA) located in Soria (Spain). Additionally, Solarig will have its new regional corporate headquarters in one of the dedicated Dome Building currently under construction “Cúpulas de la Energía” .

Madrid / Soria, 3 April 2024.- Solarig has announced, in a ceremony held with the Regional Government of Castilla y León, the development in Soria of one of the most innovative Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plants in the world, in Parque Empresarial del Medio Ambiente (PEMA) located in the municipality of Garray. The event was attended by Alfonso Fernández Mañueco, President of the Regional Government of Castilla y León; and Miguel Ángel Calleja, President and CEO of Solarig, among other authorities and personalities.

The ‘NUMANTIA SAF’ project will have a production capacity of 60,000 tonnes per year of SAF, equivalent to more than 12,000 (twelve thousand) Madrid-Mallorca flights. With an estimated investment of €780 million, this facility will incorporate fully dedicated renewable assets such as a 370 MWp solar photovoltaic plant, a 50 MW wind farm, as well as battery storage with a 100 MWh capacity.

‘NUMANTIA SAF’ will boost the local economy with the creation of more than 1,000 direct and indirect skilled jobs -870 during the construction phase and more than 140 in the operation and maintenance phase-, fostering local development and the use of existing infrastructures. The construction phase is expected to start in 2026 and the commissioning and operation in 2028.

The agreement reached between Solarig and SOMACYL (Sociedad Pública de Infraestructuras y Medio Ambiente de Castilla y León) includes the acquisition of 116,000 square metres within Parque Empresarial del Medio Ambiente (PEMA), where the plant will be located.

Miguel Ángel Calleja, President and CEO of Solarig, highlighted that this new facility allows Spain to keep the leadership as a worldwide reference in the sustainable fuels sector. “A few months ago, Solarig launched the development of a biomethane strategy in Castilla y León, and today Solarig is announcing a pioneering project in the world with a fully circular approach: it involves the use and recovery of biogas produced from our agricultural and livestock waste together with renewable resources: water, wind and sun. By combining these local resources with the latest technology, Solarig will be able to join the sustainable fuel economy that is now emerging. I firmly believe that this initiative will allow us to retain enormous added value at the local level, generate quality jobs and boost economic growth in Castilla y León”.

Meanwhile, Alfonso Fernández Mañueco, President of the Regional Government of Castilla y León, stated that “Solarig’s commitment to Soria highlights its potential as an investment destination and a source of quality employment, and the province is set to be an example of sustainable economic growth. This project, which has been presented today, responds to the regional government’s objective of harnessing the region’s energy potential and turning it into a source of wealth and employment, and is aligned with sustainable progress, the circular economy, respect for the environment and the energy transition towards decarbonisation”.

The plant will combine in the same facility two paths for the production of SAF. Firstly, the Gas-to-Liquid (GtL) one, that consists of the reforming of biomethane obtained from the valorisation of local agricultural and livestock waste. Secondly, the Power-to-Liquid (PtL) one that combines biogenic CO₂ with renewable H2. All the processes involved in the plant will be powered by renewable energy. The project is committed to the decarbonisation of the transport sector through the capture and utilisation of 140,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year, and the reduction of 170,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

The SAF is a key element to decarbonise the aviation sector, responsible for 14% of global CO₂ emissions attributable to the transport sector. The European Commission has launched programmes such as the ‘ReFuelEU Aviation‘ within the ‘Fit for 55’ framework, setting of mandates for minimum SAF uplift at EU airports from 2025 to 2050.

Solarig has also reached an agreement with SOMACYL (Sociedad Pública de Infraestructuras y Medio Ambiente de Castilla y León) to move its new regional corporate headquarters in Soria to one of the “Cúpulas de la Energía” in Parque Empresarial del Medio Ambiente (PEMA), once the works are completed in 2025. Solarig ‘s new office will have more than 2,000 square metres located in a business complex linked to new technologies and sustainable development.

Solarig develops, finances, builds and operates infrastructure for the energy transition. It currently manages more than 10 GW of photovoltaic assets and has a portfolio of more than 20 GW of power projects in 12 countries. The company drives global decarbonisation in the places where it operates through renewable energy and green gas solutions. Headquartered in Madrid, Spain, it has a strong presence in Europe, Central and South America, Japan and Australia. Committed to innovation and sustainability, Solarig has a team of more than 1,100 professionals.

Solarig works for the energy transition towards global decarbonisation and contributes to achieving the highest levels of energy independence in the markets where it operates. Solarig aims to play a key role in the sustainable progress of society by leading the transition to cleaner energy sources. The company aims to generate a positive impact on the environment through its operations and its relationship with public administrations, shareholders, customers, professionals, collaborators and suppliers. READ MORE