When it comes to solar energy, Spain ‘has more utility-scale solar capacity in operation (29.5 GW) than any other European nation, and more capacity under construction (7.8 GW), and in early stages of development (106.1 GW) than the next three European countries combined.’

Cisco is a proud consumer of Spain’s sustainable energy and in 2024, signed a 15-year agreement to purchase approximately 60,000 MWh per year of solar energy from Spanish renewable energy provider IGNIS. This commitment from Cisco has enabled IGNIS to build a new solar plant in the España Vaciada – ‘empty Spain’ – region of Aragón, a key area of investment for the Spanish government.

The partnership has both sustainability and economic benefits. The agreement is expected to provide enough solar energy to match 100% of the annual electricity needs for Cisco’s operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for the next 15 years. In addition to the electricity allocated to Cisco, it adds approximately 20,000 MWh of renewable energy to the Spanish public grid. This agreement with IGNIS is one of several long-term renewable energy contracts Cisco has signed in recent years.

Furthermore, the agreement has generated economic growth in the local community. More than a hundred jobs were created during the plant’s construction, and a permanent IGNIS team has been hired for operation and maintenance in the Aragón region. It also creates local revenue and fosters economic activity in the area.

Of the partnership’s advantages, Mary de Wysocki, Chief Sustainability Officer, Cisco, says:

‘Our purpose is to power an inclusive future for all, and this agreement is an important moment in our journey to net zero, continuing our transition away from fossil fuels and towards a regenerative future. Long-term agreements like this project enable Cisco to not only reduce our own emissions but to help increase the renewable capacity available overall. It also reinforces Cisco’s commitment to Spain’s digital transformation and the government’s agenda towards clean energy, being the most impactful multi-year energy contract for Cisco in Europe.’

The agreement is in line with Cisco’s goal to reach zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040. In its fiscal year 2023, the company consumed more than 1.3 million MWh of renewable electricity, making up 91% of its total global electricity demand. The partnership with IGNIS helps Cisco increase its use of renewable electricity and bring it closer to meeting its sustainability goals.