The Sun of Murcia
Totana is the first completed project out of the seven solar parks (for a total capacity of 339 MW) that were awarded to Enel Green Power Spain (EGPE) in July 2017, following the third renewable energy auction held by the Spanish Government. Located in the town of the same name in the region of Murcia, Totana has a capacity of 85 MW, can generate 150 GWh/year and consists of 248,000 photovoltaic modules for an investment of 59 million euros.
Pioneer in agrivoltaics
Technology
Solar
Status
In operation
Capacity
84.7 MW
Production
150 GWh/year
CO2 Emissions avoided
104,000 tons per year
Milestones
Impact on the local community
Agrivoltaics
Enel Green Power Spain is a pioneer in applying agrivoltaics to improve its environmental footprint and generate value for the local community through shared land use. Specifically, at the Totana plant, thanks to a collaboration with the Murcian Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Development (IMIDA), land is shared with red pepper, broccoli, artichoke, thyme and pitaya crops
Moreover, 8 hectares at Totana have been given over to the development of an ecological island that serves as a refuge for more than 25 species of birds, including endangered species. Enel Green Power Spain is also developing synergies with local shepherds, as sheep naturally clear the soil of grass and shrubbery, which is very useful for fire prevention.
Sustainable Worksite Model
The plant’s construction phase was in line with Enel Green Power’s Sustainable Worksite model, through various initiatives. These included the use of renewable energy during construction, thanks to a photovoltaic system that covered worksite requirements. The solar panels were later donated to the José Moyá Day Center (for people suffering from mental health issues), which EGPE also fitted with efficient lighting. Other initiatives included waste recycling and organic composting during the construction phase.
Furthermore, the premises were built following the Creating Shared Value (CSV) model. Totana’s construction led to the creation of new jobs while the employability of the population also improved, as the hiring of local labor was prioritized. In addition, unemployed local residents were given training courses on renewable energy, and local schools and the José Moyá Day Center were able to offer environmental awareness programs.
Digital initiatives
Innovative technologies were used to improve Totana’s construction process. Including:
- An exoskeleton to help operators’ lift heavy weights more easily.
- An AME security system installed on heavy machinery.
- GPS technology was used for digging trenches using autonomous guided machinery for leveling.
- Cutting-edge photovoltaic module joint systems enabled the solar modules to be anchored more quickly.