The Alhendín solar park is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion at the end of June this year. After the planned connection to the grid in autumn, it will generate 96.8 GWh of green electricity per year, which corresponds to the electricity consumption of around 24,700 Spanish households.
BayWa r.e. and the Velux Group have signed two long-term PPAs for the plant, which include the construction of another solar park in the Seville region, also in Andalusia. Both plants will enable the world's leading manufacturer of roof windows to supply 100% of its European operations with renewable energy by 2024.
5.1 MW Agri-PV system – community actions
Approximately 10% of the Alhendín solar park will consist of an innovative 5.1 MWp Agri-PV system - a solar application that enables agriculture and energy production on the same area. This makes the PPA signed with Velux the first European Agri-PV Corporate PPA.
Alhendín is also a lighthouse project for solar power generation in harmony with nature and the local population. The development of the two solar farms will be accompanied by a detailed timetable and a series of community and environmental actions that will improve regional biodiversity and encourage the participation of the local population.
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To ensure that the solar farms always benefit the environment and take into account neighboring communities, BayWa r.e. is working with the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and the Universidad de Córdoba. They are currently studying the area and have already drawn up initial measures that will be implemented in the area over time. For example, more trees and shrubs will be planted and the fence will be covered with natural vegetation to increase biodiversity around the project.
Financing experience
Heiko Ludwig, Global Head of Structured Finance at NORD/LB, comments: "We are very pleased to support our long-standing customer BayWa r.e. in this innovative and outstanding project. It is another great opportunity for us to strengthen our cooperation with BayWa r.e. by financing a solar project - this time in Spain - and to show that we are a reliable partner worldwide thanks to our experience in financing renewable energy projects."
Rafael Esteban, Managing Director of BayWa r.e. Projects España S.L.U., adds, "NORD/LB has been one of our closest partners for years. That is why we decided to rely on them for the financing of one of our most ambitious projects, not only in Spain, but throughout Europe. The Alhendín solar park, with all its innovative and forward-looking approaches, is another example of the fact that Spain has a lot to offer in the global market for renewable energies. BayWa r.e. will continue to make a significant contribution to the energy transition in Spain, and this collaboration is another important step along the way." (hcn)
