Figueruelas Hosts Major EV Battery Factory Amid Spain's Renewable Energy Transition
Figueruelas, a town in Aragón, Spain, is becoming a significant hub for renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) technology, with the construction of a large EV battery factory by CATL and Stellantis. The project, which began in November 2025, represents a combined investment of €4 billion and is expected to generate around 35,000 indirect jobs, supported by about 2,000 Chinese workers involved in building the facility. China’s ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, described this development as one of the largest Chinese investments in Europe.
Spain's energy model sharply prioritizes renewables, with their share in electricity rising from about 33% in 2017 to 57% in 2024, aiming for 81% by 2030. The country witnessed a record solar contribution of 61.5% to the mainland electricity mix a week before a widespread blackout on 28 April. Officials have ruled out renewables and cyberattack as causes of the outage; however, the exact reason remains under investigation.
The Spanish nuclear industry, contributing around 20% of electricity, faces the planned shutdown of five plants between 2027 and 2035. The Almaraz plant has requested a three-year extension to 2030. Supporters of the nuclear sector stress the necessity of a balanced energy mix, combining renewables and nuclear power to ensure grid stability.
The Iberian electricity grid’s relative isolation from the broader European grid has highlighted the need for increased storage capacity to support renewable integration. Politically, ongoing corruption scandals involving the Socialist-led coalition raise the possibility of a snap election, which could bring a right-wing government with less emphasis on renewable energy policies.
Locally, Figueruelas, with a current population of about 1,000, is expected to experience growth as the battery plant's operation creates thousands of jobs and stimulates new energy-linked economic activities. The landscape of the area is characterized by a large wind turbine and extensive wind and solar farms, reflecting Spain's commitment to clean energy.
