In November 2022, the VELUX Group and BayWa r.e. announced the conclusion of a PPA on the basis of which two large PV solar parks were to be built in southern Spain: one in Gerena, near Seville, and one in Alhendín, near Granada. The park in Alhendín has now been completed and has recently started feeding electricity into the local grid.
With the full commissioning of Alhendín, the VELUX Group has not only achieved its goal of supplying itself with 100 percent renewable electricity, but has also enabled the construction of further renewable energy plants in Europe. The solar park consists of more than 85,000 solar modules and produces 96.8 GWh of electricity per year. This corresponds to the electricity consumption of 24,700 European households.
Innovative agri-PV system
Part of Alhendín combines agriculture with renewable energy generation as an agri-PV plant and is BayWa r.e.'s first agri-PV project in Spain: Agricultural machinery can now drive between the rows of solar modules on around 10 percent of the area.
“The completion of the Alhendín solar park and its connection to the Spanish electricity grid will enable VELUX to achieve its green energy supply targets,” says Kim Jonas, Energy & Climate Director of the VELUX Group. “The project, which focuses on agricultural use and biodiversity, fits perfectly with our ambition to drive climate action and improve biodiversity. Together with BayWa r.e., we are implementing the Solar Plant Symbiosis concept, which enables solar energy production in harmony with nature and the local population.”
Also see: Agrisolar: New digital map presents European projects
Daniel Gäfke, Global Director of Projects and Member of the Board of Management of BayWa r.e., adds: “We are delighted to be able to support VELUX in achieving the target of 100 percent renewable electricity for its European sites. This is also an important milestone for BayWa r.e. to accelerate the energy transition in companies in order to achieve global climate targets. Just like VELUX, our approach is to go beyond the usual standards. Therefore, in this project, we will implement pioneering Agri-PV concepts that enhance biodiversity, promote local stakeholder engagement, and maximize local value creation.”
Solar Plant Symbiosis
The Solar Plant Symbiosis concept includes a series of measures to promote biodiversity and the involvement of local stakeholders. It was developed by the Universidad de Córdoba and the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and so far includes the following measures as part of the project:
- Baseline surveys, digitization and monitoring of vegetation
- Agri-PV system and rainwater collection system
- Grass planting with natural seeds and wildflower species
- Shelters for wildlife, ponds for amphibians, bird baths, nesting boxes and posts
- Breeding site to protect the endangered lesser kestrel species
- Improvement of the steppe habitat
- Monitoring and evaluation of the measures to create a guide that can be used to adopt best practice in other projects
- Social actions on the ground, such as workshops with local stakeholders and school visits
Next steps
The measures are to be gradually implemented at the Alhendín solar park by spring 2025. The second PV project of the collaboration, the Gerena solar park, is currently still awaiting official approval on site and is scheduled for completion in 2025. The park is expected to have an output of 60 MWp.
When both solar plants are fully operational, they will generate 167 GWh of renewable electricity for VELUX every year. This corresponds to the electricity consumption of around 45,000 European households. Around 80 percent of the electricity generated will go to VELUX via the PPA and will reduce the VELUX Group's carbon footprint in Europe by around 40,000 tons of CO2 annually.
More at Intersolar Europe
BayWa r.e. will be presenting its comprehensive product and service portfolio in the PV sector at the Intersolar Europe trade fair in Munich (Hall A4, Stand 180) from June 19-21. Among other things, visitors will be able to view an agri-PV system in the outdoor area, which will be installed by BayWa r.e. together with partners. (hcn)
