The Metropolitan Area of Barcelona has increased from 1 MWp in 2021 to nearly 12 MWp in 2026, thanks to self-consumption on public roofs. The solar canopy in Sant Boi de Llobregat will be key for the expected scale jump in 2027.
The production of solar photovoltaic energy driven by the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) has multiplied tenfold in the last five years. According to data from the metropolitan entity, in 2021 the installed capacity was just 1 megawatt peak (MWp), while in 2026 it is nearing 12 MWp. The growth has accelerated particularly in 2024, when it surpassed 8 MWp.
The deployment has focused on the roofs of municipal public buildings, such as sports centres and other facilities, which have been equipped with solar panels for self-consumption. Currently, there are 136 municipal roofs in operation or under development, and the goal is to reach 150 installations by 2027.
The next major leap is expected with the launch of the solar canopy in Sant Boi de Llobregat, a photovoltaic macroplant that will be built over the parking lot of the former Alcampo. This facility, which will begin operating in 2027, will allow the AMB to make a significant leap in its clean energy production.
The growth is in response to the AMB's 'Pla Clima', which is now coming to an end and will be replaced by a new roadmap that will prioritise larger installations. The energy transition is not limited to solar: biogas production has also increased, rising from 15.7 MW in 2025 to 19.2 MW in 2026.
In parallel, the AMB has promoted energy efficiency projects to reduce its own consumption. In 2019, the entity's energy consumption was around 300 GWh, and the goal is to reduce it to 210 GWh by 2030, covering all demand with renewables.
The director of the AMB's Climate Action and Energy Transition Area, Frederic Ximeno, has positively assessed the results. "The implementation of the 'Pla Clima' is very positive and leads us to accelerate the roadmap for decarbonising energy production," he noted.
For residents of the province of Barcelona, this growth means greater availability of clean energy and a reduction in dependence on fossil sources. The installations on municipal roofs also generate savings on the electricity bills of the municipalities, which can reinvest in public services.
Looking ahead to the coming years, the AMB expects photovoltaic energy to continue growing, with projects like the Sant Boi canopy leading the way. The goal is for all the metropolitan entity's energy demand to be met with renewable energy by 2030.
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