The Generalitat of Valencia approves two solar plants, on the condition that the wildlife around them is undisturbed.
Photo Credit: Andreas Gücklhorn via Unsplash
The Generalitat of Valencia has authorised two major solar plants in Algorfa and Rojales. The two installations, which sum up to 20 MW together and cover a combined ground of 25.46 hectares, will be set in agricultural land not being used near the Hoyo Serrano area. The 3.9-kilometre evacuation line will run underground across three major areas of the Costa Blanca South, traversing Algorfa, Rojales, and Torrevieja, also passing the busy AP-7 motorway. The construction of these plants has a four-year deadline.
The Generalitat, in order to approve the installation of the plants, had to set firm restrictions with regards to the ecological transformation of the area. The restrictions include the preservation of the vegetated areas as much as possible, the creation of ecological paths, the installation of wildlife lookout spots, the installation of nesting boxes for birds and other creatures, monitoring and controlling the soil erosion, a complete ban on herbicides, allowing livestock to graze, and a close monitoring of the operation of the plants. In other words, the developers can install the plants only if they make them blend into the landscape and cause minimal disturbance for wildlife and vegetation.
The project must also not affect cultural heritage sites or protected areas, and special measures will be taken in the event of an archaeological discovery at the plants.
The Generalitat has a goal of reaching 2,500 MW of installed solar panel capacity by the year 2030. With this effort, Costa Blanca municipalities and indeed the Generalitat of Valencia reaffirms its commitment to promoting renewable energy, doing away with fossil fuels as much as possible, and combating climate change.