Overview
El Bonillo is a 20 MW solar PV facility located in Spain. It is operational and contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
El Bonillo is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Spain, with a capacity of 20 megawatts (MW). This facility is operational and forms part of Spain's growing renewable energy infrastructure, which is supported by national policies aligned with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III (2023/2413), targeting 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. The plant uses solar PV technology to convert sunlight into electricity, a mature and widely deployed renewable energy source. In Spain, solar PV benefits from high solar irradiance, making it a key technology for meeting renewable energy targets. The 20 MW scale places El Bonillo in the small-to-medium range for utility-scale solar farms, typical for projects in the region. Environmentally, solar PV plants like El Bonillo have a low operational carbon footprint and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, they require significant land area, which can lead to land-use conflicts. The facility's location in central Spain avoids sensitive ecological areas, and its operation supports grid stability by feeding clean energy into the local network.
Environmental context
Solar PV plants require large land areas for panel installation, which can impact local ecosystems and land use. In Spain, solar farms are often sited in agricultural or semi-arid regions to minimize conflicts. The environmental benefits include zero emissions during operation and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, supporting climate goals under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Frequently asked questions
El Bonillo solar PV plant is located in Spain, with coordinates approximately 38.916° N, -2.550° W.
El Bonillo has a capacity of 20 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale solar PV facility.
Yes, El Bonillo is currently operational and generating electricity from solar energy.
Spain's renewable energy sector is governed by the EU Renewable Energy Directive III, which sets a target of 42.5% renewable energy by 2030, along with national feed-in tariffs and grid connection regulations.
Solar PV plants have low operational emissions but require significant land area, which can affect local habitats. They provide clean energy and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.