- The Valladolid-based company is a leader in the fresh potato sector in Spain and opened new facilities in March 2023, in Medina del Campo
- The solar plant has nearly 1,700 solar panels and is added to an existing one, which covers 24% of the energy needed in the production plant. The rest of its energy supply is also of renewable origin, thanks to a contract with Endesa
The new Patatas Meléndez factory, inaugurated in March 2023 and considered the most technological in its sector in Europe, is 24% self-sufficient, with solar energy produced on its very own roof. This is possible thanks to an agreement with Endesa X, Endesa's energy services subsidiary, which installed 1,692 solar panels in the plant that the Valladolid-based company, leader in the fresh potato sector in Spain with a 20% market share, has at its headquarters in Medina del Campo.
This 914 kWp photovoltaic solar plant, designed and built by Endesa X, is in addition to the 725-kWh plant that Patatas Meléndez already had. With this self-consumption project, around 1,209 MWh/year are generated, which in terms of reducing emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere, translates into 252 tonnes between the two facilities, which would be equivalent to the absorption capacity of 1,508 trees planted/year.
Sustainability and Decarbonisation Plan
In the Patatas Meléndez Sustainability and Decarbonisation Plan, the company studies and invests in various areas related to respect for its carbon footprint. To this end, it focuses on the use of green energy, thanks to a long-term energy contract with Endesa that has Guarantees of Sustainable Origin, so that the rest of the energy they need to carry out their activity, and which does not come from the two solar installations, is also renewable.
The processing and packaging facilities of Patatas Meléndez are also a commitment to protecting the environment. Located next to the Cañada Real, they are concerned about the protection of their environment and have modern infrastructures for wastewater treatment and the separation and collection of the waste generated in their processes. In addition, they are currently working on adapting their packaging to their production, making a firm commitment to the elimination of plastic and exploring the option of containers whose weight is optimal in relation to the product and a maximum recycling guarantee.
About Endesa
Endesa is a leading electricity company in Spain and the second largest in Portugal. In addition, it is the second largest gas operator in the Spanish market. It undertakes end-to-end business including the generation, distribution and retailing of electricity. It also offers, through Endesa X, value-added services aimed at the electrification of energy uses in homes, companies, industries and Public Administrations, including electric mobility, where it is one of the main operators of charging stations in Spain. Endesa is firmly committed to the United Nations SDGs and strongly supports the development of renewable energies through Enel Green Power España, the digitalisation of grids through e-distribution, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The Endesa Foundation is also active in CSR. Our team totals around 9,260 employees. Endesa is part of Enel, Europe's largest electricity group.
Endesa X is Endesa's business line dedicated to energy efficiency. Endesa X is a division of Enel X Global Retail and a leader in the development of innovative solutions in support of the energy transition. It is aimed at consumers, companies and administrations through a modular and integrated offer based on their needs and promoting the electrification of energy uses and digitalisation as drivers of new value creation. Endesa X's ecosystem of solutions includes products and services for the optimisation and self-generation of electricity and premium energy efficiency solutions, with the aim of helping customers draw up their energy roadmap. Globally, Enel X Global Retail manages demand response services, with 8.1 GW of total capacity, has installed more than 3 million street lighting points worldwide and provides energy services to 67 million residential customers on a daily basis.
About Patatas Meléndez
Patatas Meléndez is a company from Valladolid, located in Medina del Campo, a leader in the fresh potato industry, dedicated to growing, selecting, packaging and distributing the best potatoes and set to become the top company in Europe in the supply of locally grown potatoes with the best quality, using the best agricultural practices, promoting employment in rural areas and local cultivation to reduce their carbon footprint and respect the environment.