The first arrives photovoltaic highway a Spain. There is talk of 1,500 MW per year and a futuristic landscape. We need solar energy and the Spanish territory has great potential to benefit from it, which is why it has already reached the roads.
It is one of the countries of Europe with an increased number of hours of sunshine, to which are added the European obligations in the field of installation of renewable energy sources and the strategic convenience of reducing high dependence on external energy and increasing energy autonomy.
At a global level Spain It is one of the first countries to focus on the research, development and use of solar energy.
Photovoltaic highway in Spain, a proposal that changes the landscape
This initiative comes from the Spanish company Abertis Toll Roads, with a plan of up to 18 solar power plants. The aim is for 100% of the energy used by road services to come from sustainable sources, thanks to the energy produced by its own facilities.
“With the implementation of this plan, the company is considering a triple objective: using renewable energy for its own consumption, reducing energy consumption in its facilities and avoiding the emission of approximately 422.68 tons of carbon dioxide per year,” the company said through a statement in June 2023.
This proposal includes the installation of 18 solar power plants in the Spanish provinces Barcelona, Girona, Tarragona, Ávila, Segovia j Leon. The site is intended for maintenance areas, tolls and offices, with the expectation of generating 1,554 MWh annually, to contribute to these and other facilities. Specifically, the solar power plants will be installed in tunnels such as the one in Vallvidrera and that of caddy.
In addition, the first solar power plant has been completed in the maintenance area of Vallcarca (Sitges). Over time, other facilities spread across other roads have come into use, such as the C-32, C-16 AP-6, AP-51, AP-61, AP-71.
The company shared that these points have been strategically chosen, taking into account their extent, orientation and slope, “to take advantage of solar radiation for electrical energy generation in the most efficient and continuous manner.”
Spain sees the arrival of its first photovoltaic highway: this represents 1,500 MW per year
Autopistas does not report on the type of solar panels that will be used or the maximum power that will be delivered. The traditional panels that many families live in Spain If used in their homes, they need a good height and slope to get the greatest number of hours of sunlight per day.
Other designs are already being tested in other places around the world to implement solar energy production on roads and traffic, until the solar panels blend into the landscape.
Highways is taking a step forward towards sustainability with this project. It aims to reduce the carbon footprint associated with electricity consumption.
“This measure is part of the ESG plan from the company, we are convinced of the need to transform mobility towards formulas that are absolutely respectful of the environment and that contribute to the economic and social progress of the communities in which we operate; For now, we have already invested more than 10.6 million euros in energy improvements and environmental protection measures,” he said. Oscar Gasulla, Director of highway operations.
The company continues to take steps to achieve its goals Agency 2030 and with this project it wants 100% of the energy it uses to come from sustainable sources. So, Spain sees his first one arrive photovoltaic highway. News as striking as the tiles that generate solar energy and that you can lay at home.