Construction begins on Spanish solar project

The project is expected to deliver direct employment in the region of up to 400 people at its peak, of which at least 100 will be hired from Talayuela, in agreement with the city. Overall, it is expected that the project and corresponding economic revitalisation of the area could result in the creation of more than 1000 direct and indirect jobs for the region in total.

According to Solarcentury’s plans, the Talayuela Solar Project, which covers an area of 822 hectares, will designate 320 hectares of land to protect and improve the natural environment and local wildlife.

Of this protected land, approximately 100 hectares will be designated as a Holm Oak protection zone, with Solarcentury committing to the reforestation of 1600 Holm Oak trees. The plans also include the installation of three bird lookouts and 35 different shelters for reptiles to encourage the protection of the local wildlife, as well as the development of a Nature Classroom, which will host interactive exhibitions and demonstration training and educational areas for visitors.

Solarcentury will install 977 000 solar panels during the course of the project. To minimise the impact of such large-scale installation on the land itself, the panels will be anchored to the ground without the need for concrete foundations.

The plant is expected to be operational in the second half of 2020, capable of powering around 150 000 homes and reducing CO₂ emissions by more than 170 000 tpy.

Talayuela Solar has been built without the need for public subsidies thanks to a unique financial Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), which ensures that the project receives stable and guaranteed income during the first 10 years of its operation. The project is financially backed by the European Investment Bank and Deutsche Bank.

Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/solar/17012020/construction-begins-on-spanish-solar-project/