This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Spain Country Manager Wendy Paredes
In the city of Totana in Spain, Enel Green Power Spain has connected an 85 MW photovoltaic solar plant to the grid, which has involved an investment of 59 million euros.
The photovoltaic plant, made up of 248,000 modules, will be able to generate approximately 150 GWh per year that will prevent the emission of approximately 104,000 tons of CO2 per year into the atmosphere. In addition, this plant generates energy equivalent to the consumption of 25,000 families.
In 2018, Spain launched ambitious environmental policies to end the usage of fossil fuels. The goal is to achieve that 75% of its electricity comes from renewable energies by 2030, ascending to 100 percent by 2050. The Totana plant represents the commitment of Spain in fighting climate change through a major policy of replacing fossil fuels with plentiful, affordable and renewable energy.
The construction of Totana power plant was based on Enel Green Power’s “Sustainable Construction Site” model, incorporating the use of renewable energy with this photovoltaic system that supply the power needs of the city.
Totana is the first completed solar project of the seven, for a total capacity of 339 MW, that were awarded to Enel Green Power Spain in July 2017. The goal of the country is to decarbonize the system and, to accomplish that, Spain has stopped approving new licenses for oil and gas exploration, closed most of its coalmines, and is slowing down its nuclear energy program.
The city of Totana and Enel Green Power followed the installation development model that incorporates actions to create social value under the CSV model (Creating Shared Value). Specifically, the CSV actions of the Totana solar project were the promotion of employment and the reduction of emissions since Totana government has set clear sustainable development goals of the 2030 agenda, which aim to create affordable and non-polluting energy.
In addition to the construction of this plant, the Totana government has been working to promote participatory management of the territory as a tool for the conservation of cultural values, biodiversity, genetic diversity and the landscape in region. Furthermore, the government promotes training courses in renewable energy for residents and environmental awareness programs for schools.
Likewise, it advocates the creation and promotion of a state network for the custody of the territory, the recovery and promotion of sustainable traditional uses of the environment and the implementation of actions and projects of education and awareness about cultural, natural and landscape values, both in the urban environment as rural.
Contact:
Pedro José Sánchez Pérez
Email: pjsanchez@totana.es
Pedro Sánchez is currently the councilor for Urban Planning, Infrastructures, Services, Environment, Water, Agriculture and Livestock.
Image Source: https://www.totana.com/noticias/2019/09/16-el-parque-solar-de-totana-ya-esta-en-red.asp