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agrifood

Truffle of Teruel: Aragon’s treasure with Quality Stamp

Aragon is not only a reference in Spain, but worldwide in the production of black truffle (Tuber melanosporum). With the recent obtaining of the Transitional National Protection (PNT) for the “Truffle of Teruel”, the region reinforces its commitment to the quality and authenticity of this gourmet product.

The PNT is a provisional label that certifies that the truffles produced in Teruel are authentic and meet the highest quality standards, while their official recognition in Europe is being processed.

This label is a crucial step towards the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), which, if approved in Europe, would make the Teruel truffle the first fungus with a quality seal in Spain.

Why is PNT important?

– Quality guarantee: The PNT assures consumers that the truffle comes from the province of Teruel and meets the highest quality standards.

– Protection at national level: Allows the product to be marketed with a differentiated quality label at national level while the PGI is being processed in Europe.

– Recognition of origin: Certifies that it is an authentic product of the region, protecting it from imitations and guaranteeing its traceability.

Teruel: A giant in black truffle production

With more than 8,800 hectares dedicated to the black truffle, Teruel not only concentrates 83.50% of Aragon’s production, but is also the world’s largest producer of this coveted fungus, with a production of 83,040 kilos in 2023.

With its tradition, quality and commitment, Teruel is positioned as a world reference, bringing the unique flavor of the black truffle of Aragon to the most select tables in Europe.

The agri-food industry in Aragon

Aragon is an important food producer and processor in Europe, combining the tradition of centuries of experience, cutting-edge R&D and excellent export logistics, not to mention a firm commitment to quality and sustainability.

In addition to the black truffle, Aragon has a wide range of differentiated quality products, such as Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) for wine, onion, lamb, peach and oil, and Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) for beef, pork and, in the future, black truffle from Teruel.

Agri-food represents 10% of Aragon’s GDP and 18% of employment, focusing on a wide variety of products: wine, oil, fruit, alfalfa and pork.

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Aragon Technology Hub

The Government of Aragon will invest 100 million euros in the creation of the DAT Alierta Technology Park in Zaragoza.

This centre, which will cover 79 hectares next to the Ebro River Campus, will be, in the words of President Azcón, ‘the most important and interesting project to be developed in our country’ in the field of technology.ico.

The President of the Government of Aragon, Jorge Azcón, announced this Monday in the Crown Hall of the Pignatelli building the investment of 100 million euros for the development of the Zaragoza Technology Park, which will bear the name ‘DAT Alierta’. In Azcón’s words, ‘we are going to attract companies and create quality employment. Without a doubt, it will bring immense added value to the city’s economy’.

This new centre will be built next to the Río Ebro Campus in the Aragonese capital and will have 79 hectares to attract new projects and companies. It will also include existing facilities, such as those of the University, the ITA and the CEEI, as well as new buildings. ‘It will bring together and promote synergies between technology companies, the University and the administration’, specified the leader of the Executive.

The new facilities will serve to promote and attract companies, which will create quality employment to retain and attract talent and provide immense added value to our economy. ‘This is going to be the most interesting project to be developed in our country’, said the President of the Government of Aragon.

During his speech, Azcón also announced that this new technology park will bear the name of César Alierta: ‘This name anticipates the characteristics of this new enclave, a space that, like César, will stand out for being innovative, with a capacity for understanding and technological transformation’.

For her part, the vice-president of the Government, Mar Vaquero, highlighted the importance of the project because ‘it is linked to the values of the Aragonese people. It is what makes us different and what has made us attract companies from all over the world and Aragonese companies continue to bet on our territory. Values such as the institutional collaboration with the University of Zaragoza, which has led to a 40-hectare plot of land being placed at the service of knowledge, talent, innovation and the avant-garde’.

Aragon Technology District

The new park complements the work of Walqa, in Huesca, and Technopark, in Alcañiz, with which it will form the Aragonese Technology District (DAT), a key element for the Aragonese hub to become a benchmark in Europe. ‘We are convinced that this technology centre is going to be a benchmark throughout Europe’, said Azcón.

The Government of Aragon is committed to ensuring that large business investments, innovation and the creation of specialised employment should spread to the three provinces, that Teruel, Huesca and Zaragoza contribute to the same ecosystem and benefit from it in the same way.

Project phases:

As President Azcón has enumerated, several phases are envisaged for the construction of the DAT Alierta.

– The drafting of the Master Plan will be completed in February this year and the first projects will be put out to tender in March. By the end of 2025 the DIGA will be approved and the drafting of the PIGA will start.

– In September 2026, the first works on some buildings are expected to start, while the approval of the PIGA will come in December 2026.

– In May 2027, the urbanisation and construction of the headquarters, included in the PIGA, will start.

– The first buildings will be completed in the second half of 2028.

– The works contained in the PIGA will be completed in the first six months of 2029. The remaining works will be executed in the course of the year.

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Defence

A new project for Aragon: a logistics and industrial Defence hub

On the 11th December, the Government of Aragon, the Zaragoza City Council and the Government Delegation in Aragon presented to the Defence Minister, Margarita Robles, the Defence logistics and industrial hub project that the different institutions intend to develop in the region.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Defence, was attended by the Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles; the President of the Government of Aragon, Jorge Azcón; the Mayoress of Zaragoza, Natalia Chueca; and the Government Delegate in Aragon, Fernando Beltrán.

The institutional representatives asked Minister Robles for the Ministry’s active participation in this hub through its advice, accompaniment and institutional support.

‘The Government of Aragon, the Zaragoza City Council, the Government Delegation and the region’s aeronautical cluster are all working to create a Security and Defence industrial ecosystem that will become an engine of economic and technological growth in Aragon,’ said President Azcón.

‘If Aragon is a leading region when it comes to attracting technological, logistical and industrial investment, we can also do the same with the defence industry,’ said the head of the regional executive, who said that Aragon will attend the International Defence and Security Fair of Spain for the first time.

The Mayoress of Zaragoza, Natalia Chueca, indicated that ‘the creation of a logistical and industrial Defence hub is a unique opportunity for Zaragoza, for Aragon and for Spain’.

‘Zaragoza has never seen the defence of the country as a burden, but as an opportunity for social, scientific and economic growth. And what we want with this hub is to expand that opportunity and put it at the service of the country hand in hand with the Spanish Government’, she added.

Aragon has an unquestionable military tradition and is home to thousands of military personnel distributed among the different defence infrastructures and command and control, teaching and logistics units. It is the 2nd largest military centre in Spain (after Madrid) with more than 10,000 military personnel posted here.

The defence industry is rooted in Aragon: 10% of the suppliers of the Spanish Ministry of Defence are from this region.

The industry finds in Aragon optimal conditions for mandatory product testing, thanks to the proximity to CENAD San Gregorio, Europe’s 2nd-largest manoeuvring field.

The region offers a vibrant, dynamic business ecosystem with a sophisticated logistics infrastructure, highly qualified personnel in both academic and technical professions, a strong engineering heritage and advance manufacturing with an international reputation.

Categories
Automotive

Stellantis and CATL to Invest Up to €4.1 Billion in Joint Venture for Large-Scale LFP Battery Plant in Spain

AMSTERDAM – Stellantis and CATL today announced they have reached an agreement to invest up to €4.1 billion to form a joint venture that will build a large-scale European lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Zaragoza, Spain. Designed to be completely carbon neutral, the battery plant will be implemented in several phases and investment plans.

Targeted to start production by end of 2026 at Stellantis’ Zaragoza, Spain site, the facility could reach up to 50 GWh capacity, subject to the evolution of the electrical market in Europe and continued support from authorities in Spain and the European Union. The 50-50 joint venture between CATL and Stellantis will boost Stellantis’ best-in-class LFP offer in Europe enabling the automaker to offer more high-quality, durable and affordable battery-electric passenger cars, crossovers and SUVs in the B and C segments with intermediate ranges.

In November 2023, Stellantis and CATL signed a non-binding MOU for the local supply of LFP battery cells and modules for electric vehicle production in Europe and established a long-term collaboration on two strategic fronts: creating a bold technology roadmap to support Stellantis’ advanced battery electric vehicles (BEV) and identifying opportunities to further strengthen the battery value chain.

“Stellantis is committed to a decarbonized future, embracing all available advanced battery technologies to bring competitive electric vehicle products to our customers,” said Stellantis Chairman John Elkann. “This important joint venture with our partner CATL will bring innovative battery production to a manufacturing site that is already a leader in clean and renewable energy, helping drive a 360-degree sustainable approach. I want to thank all stakeholders involved in making today’s announcement a reality, including the Spanish authorities for their continued support.”

“The joint venture has taken our cooperation with Stellantis to new heights, and I believe our cutting-edge battery technology and outstanding operation knowhow combined with Stellantis’ decades-long experience in running business locally in Zaragoza will ensure a major success story in the industry,” said Robin Zeng, Chairman and CEO of CATL. “CATL’s goal is to make zero-carbon technology accessible across the globe, and we look forward to cooperating with our partners globally through more innovative cooperation models.”

CATL is bringing state-of-the-art battery manufacturing technology to Europe through its two plants in Germany and Hungary, which are already operational. The Spanish facility will enhance its capabilities to support customers’ climate goals, further underscoring its commitment to advancing e-mobility and energy transition efforts in Europe and the global market.

Stellantis is employing a dual-chemistry approach – lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) – to serve all customers and exploring innovative battery cell and pack technologies. Stellantis is on track to becoming a carbon net zero corporation by 2038, all scopes included, with single-digit percentage compensation of remaining emissions. 

The transaction is expected to close in the course of 2025 and is subject to customary regulatory conditions.

Categories
Pharmaceutical

Opportunities in the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sector in Aragon

Aragon is positioned as a hub for the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, with a vibrant ecosystem that fosters innovation, collaboration and growth.

After a decade of rapid expansion, Aragon is realizing its potential as an industrial hub in areas such as biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics and medical technology. Almost 91% of the Spanish healthcare industry and 52% of the Spanish biotechnology industry is located within 300 km of the region, 5 of the 60 largest companies in the pharmaceutical industry in Spain are located in Aragon, which is the 3rd Spanish region by number of healthcare companies.

These are some of the main ideas that were discussed last November 10 at the Zaragoza Chamber of Commerce, in the event “Invest in Aragon” organized by Capital Radio and the Government of Aragon.

Two leading companies in the sector, Podoactiva and Certest, together with another relevant player in the region, the Walqa Technology Park, talked about their advances in areas such as personalized medicine, bioinformatics and digital technologies applied to health.

The biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector in Aragon is adapting to technological changes and the growing demand for personalized healthcare services through specialization, digitalization and public-private collaboration.

Specialization: Aragonese companies are focusing on specific market niches to develop customized and innovative solutions.

Digitization: Bioinformatics and digitization are becoming essential for the development of these companies. San Jorge University in Aragon already offers a degree in bioinformatics, recognizing the importance of this area.

Aragon has a solid research and development infrastructure, driven by institutions such as the University of Zaragoza, the Technological Institute of Aragon (ITA) and the Health Research Institute of Aragon. This infrastructure, which combines public-private collaboration, facilitates the generation of knowledge and the transfer of technology to the productive sector.

Other issues also discussed at this roundtable were related to talent and quality of life.

Attracting and retaining talent: It is vitally important to attract and retain talent in Aragon. The region’s universities, such as the University of Zaragoza and San Jorge University, offer degrees in biosanitary areas, providing a source of local talent. However, there is concern that this talent may leave for other regions if they are not offered the right conditions. The need for internship programs to help recent graduates enter the labor market was highlighted.

Quality of Life: Aragon offers a high quality of life, which makes it an attractive place to live and work. This factor can contribute to the attraction of talent and the consolidation of a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The sector also faces significant challenges. The three speakers pointed out:

Bureaucracy in drug authorization and other processes continues to be an obstacle to the sector’s progress. Although efforts are being made to reduce bureaucracy, companies still perceive the need for greater agility in these processes.

Low productivity in Europe, including Spain, is identified as a concern that could affect the future of the sector.

There is a need to publicize the leading companies that exist in Aragon to attract talent and prevent it from leaving for other regions. It is necessary to work on the visibility of the companies from all the economic agents involved.

In summary, Aragon offers a favorable environment for the development of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector, due to all of the above and also because of its excellent location, and its sophisticated infrastructure and multimodal logistics services, including cold chain solutions, which allow access to most of Europe in just 24 hours and to any corner of the world in 48 hours.

Categories
Automotive Manufacturing

Aragon, a leader in the automotive industry in the midst of transformation

Aragon’s automotive industry remains a key pillar for the Spanish and European economy, standing out as a benchmark for competitiveness, innovation and sustainability.

This is the main conclusion reached in one of the debates held at the “Invest in Aragón” event organized by Capital Radio and the Government of Aragón on November 10 at the Zaragoza Chamber of Commerce, where industry experts discussed the advances, challenges and opportunities for this dynamic sector, which is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, driven by electrification and new mobility solutions.

Participants in the meeting included Mar Paños, General Director of Industrial Promotion and Innovation of the Government of Aragon; Elena Latorre, General Director of MANN+HUMMEL Ibérica; and David Romeral, manager of the Automotive and Mobility Cluster of Aragon (CAAR).

Aragon, a strategic center for the Automotive Industry

Aragon is recognized as one of the main automotive hubs in Spain, with the presence of one of the major manufacturers: Stellantis, as well as more than 300 component supplier companies that also supply other global brands. Eighty percent of the vehicles manufactured in Spain are produced within 350 km of Zaragoza, and 90% of the country’s automotive components industry is located in Aragon. This concentration of companies, distinguished by their high competitiveness and innovation, makes the region an international benchmark in the automotive industry.

In addition, Aragon benefits from its strategic location, situated in a key logistical corridor for the sector, which makes the region a first-rate transportation hub for the automotive industry, facilitating distribution at both national and European level.

Industry transformation and challenges

The industry is currently facing a profound transformation, driven by the transition to electric vehicles and new mobility solutions. Aragonese companies are investing heavily in research and development to adapt to these changes, with Stellantis leading the production in Spain of three fully electric models at its Zaragoza plant.

In this context, innovation in production processes is essential to maintain global competitiveness. The integration of new technologies, cost reduction and improved sustainability are some of the focuses of work that will enable companies to remain a benchmark in the global market.

The challenge of training and talent retention

One of the biggest challenges facing the automotive industry in Aragon is the shortage of qualified talent, especially in technical areas such as mechatronics and mold making. To address this need, the Government of Aragon is driving several key initiatives:

  • The development of a Talent Plan to train, attract, retain, and in some cases repatriate, qualified professionals in all sectors.
  • The creation of training and retraining programs for workers, adapted to new technologies and industry demands.
  • Collaboration with universities and vocational training centers to align educational programs with market needs.
  • The organization of awareness days aimed at showing young people the opportunities offered by the industrial sector in general, and changing the perception of modern manufacturing.

Challenges and opportunities for the future

Experts agree that, in order to consolidate Aragon’s leadership in the automotive industry, it is necessary to:

  • Promote the region’s strengths and competitiveness, attracting both investors and highly qualified talent, both nationally and internationally.
  • Reduce bureaucratic barriers and simplify administrative processes to encourage business growth and investment.
  • Increase investment in education and training programs to ensure a steady supply of skilled workers who can contribute to the future of the sector.
  • Improve the perception of the industry among young people, highlighting the professional opportunities offered by the sector, as well as its innovative and sustainable nature.
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Aerospace Sin categoría

Aerospace Cluster of Aragón celebrates anniversary highlighting the boost of the industry in the region

The Aeronautics, Space and Defence Cluster of Aragon (AERA) celebrated its 17th anniversary on 5 November at the Teruel Airport Platform (PLATA).

The anniversary was held at the facilities of Elson Space España, a pioneer in the manufacture of HAPS, and at the event, the president of the AERA Cluster and general director of the Teruel Airport (PLATA), Alejandro Ibrahim highlighted the great growth of the cluster, which has doubled its membership in 2 years and now totals almost 60 entities.

During the event Elson Space was awarded for its commitment to the development of advanced HAPS technologies, and also the company Teltronic, for its 50 years of dedication to the development of advanced communication solutions and its importance in the Aragonese business community. Special recognition was also given to Colonel Conrado Cebollero, defence delegate in Aragon, for his constant support and his dedication and promotion of the defence culture.

The anniversary also served to showcase the strengths of one of the region’s drivers of innovation and growth, which is still largely unknown. The aeronautics, space and defence sector employs 7,000 people throughout Aragon, including the auxiliary industry, with 700 of these jobs located at Teruel airport. The annual turnover is 1,500 million euros, which represents 4% of Aragon’s GDP, according to the Regional Minister of the Presidency, Economy and Justice and Vice-President of the Government of Aragon, Mar Vaquero. This growth in the weight of the aeronautical sector is mainly due to the defence and space sectors, with many projects related to artificial intelligence technology systems.

Aerospace industry in Aragon

The aeronautical, space and defence sector in Aragon has undergone a remarkable expansion in recent years, consolidating its position as a benchmark in innovation and advanced technology. With specialised centres such as the Teruel Airport Platform, the region has the largest European infrastructure for the storage, maintenance and recycling of aircraft, and is positioned as a unique space for the development of high-tech projects, including drones, HAPS (high-altitude pseudo-satellites) and aerospace testing. In addition, the synergy between companies, universities and research centres fosters a dynamic ecosystem in which areas such as artificial intelligence applied to defence, new propulsion technologies and the development of advanced composite materials stand out. All of this, together with institutional support and Aragon’s excellent logistical connectivity, strengthens its position as a key destination for investment in the aerospace and defence sector.

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Green Energy Sin categoría

3.4 billion investment in a new data center in Aragón

Jorge Azcón, President of the regional Government of Aragón, has announced a 3.4 billion investment by the company Box2Bit for the construction of a data centre in Cariñena, a town near Zaragoza well known for its Protected Designations of Origin for wine. The CAMPUS EBRO project will create more than 1,950 direct jobs, 350 of them already in the operational phase, and it is estimated that it will have an impact of 4,400 million euros on the GDP of the region. The Government Council has approved the Declaration of General Interest of Aragon (DIGA) of the initiative to speed up the deadlines, with the works scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2005 and to be completed in 2029.

Cariñena is a town of about 3,000 inhabitants, excellently communicated by the A23 motorway with both Zaragoza, 50 km, and Valencia, 265 km.

About Box2Bit

Box2bit, founded in 2021, specializes in sustainable data centres, with a goal of 100% renewable energy consumption, and it is present in more than 5 countries.

Categories
Green Energy

Aragon attracts 700 million euro investment for hydrogen and green ammonia plant in the city of Caspe

Aragon reinforces its leadership in clean energies with an investment of 700 million euros to produce hydrogen and green ammonia

The President of Aragon, Jorge Azcón, has announced an important investment of 700 million euros by the company Alkeymia to build a hydrogen and green ammonia production plant in Caspe. This project has been declared a project of general interest for the region by the Government of Aragón and it is expected to start operating in 2025.

The plant will generate approximately 1,000 jobs during its construction phase and more than 85 direct jobs during its operation. This new complex will house two renewable energy plants will guarantee a sustainable supply, which will allow progress towards climate neutrality and reinforce Aragon’s position as a reference in the energy transition.

This project underscores Aragon’s ability to attract investment in strategic sectors, thanks to its propitious environment for the implementation of renewable energy and its advanced infrastructure for the development of new energy projects.

Aragon, a privileged environment for investment in renewable energy

Aragon offers a favourable environment for attracting investment in innovative sectors, especially in clean energy. The region has a strategic geographical location and a high potential in renewable resources such as the sun and wind, which facilitates the installation of energy generation infrastructures. In addition, the Government of Aragon has launched several initiatives to support research, development and implementation of sustainable technologies, including aid for the integration of renewable energies in mobility and logistics.

Aragon’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, together with a regulatory framework that favours investment and the development of large projects, has made the region a benchmark for decarbonization in Europe. This ecosystem, which combines public-private cooperation and institutional support, allows the region not only to attract large projects such as Alkeymia, but also to consolidate a business network committed to the green economy.

This project in Caspe and other initiatives, aligned with the European Green Pact, reinforce Aragon’s commitment to the energy transition, highlighting its role as a hub of innovation and sustainability in southern Europe.

Categories
Logistics Sin categoría

More investment for the development of the rail highway between Algeciras and Zaragoza

Aragón strengthens its position as a logistics hub with an investment of 30 million euros in the Algeciras-Zaragoza rail highway

The Spanish Government has earmarked nearly 30 million euros for the adaptation of 13 tunnels located between Cordoba and the municipality of Santa Cruz de Mudela, as part of the development of the rail highway that will connect Algeciras with Zaragoza. This investment is in addition to the adaptation works already underway on the section between Madrid and Zaragoza, where a total of 78 million euros has been invested. These actions are essential to allow the passage of trains loaded with semi-trailers through the railway network, improving the efficiency of intermodal transport.

With these new investments, the rail highway project has already mobilized more than 315 million euros, approaching the total estimated budget of 468 million euros. The project aims to boost freight transport between southern Europe and the rest of the continent, promoting a sustainable alternative to road transport. It is expected that, once the works are completed, up to six trains per day will be able to run between Algeciras and Zaragoza, also connecting with other ports and strategic regions of the peninsula.

Aragon, a benchmark in logistics and intermodal transport

Aragon has established itself as a key logistics hub in Spain, thanks to its strategic location and robust infrastructure. The region has important logistics platforms, such as the Zaragoza Logistics Platform (PLAZA), which is the largest in Europe and a hub for the distribution of goods by land, air and rail. The connection with the port of Algeciras through the new rail highway strengthens its capacity to attract investment and boost the regional economy.

In addition, the promotion of intermodality facilitates the integration of the different modes of transport, reducing costs and improving the sustainability of trade. Investments in rail infrastructure contribute to reducing dependence on road transport, in line with the objectives of sustainability and reduction of the carbon footprint. All this reinforces the attractiveness of Aragon for companies seeking a strategic base for the distribution of goods at national and European level.