TotalEnergies and Soltec have successfully obtained construction authorization for their ambitious 200MW solar project, Luminora Solar Dos, set to commence construction in 2024 in the southern region of Murcia, Spain. This eco-conscious endeavor not only promises to bolster the local economy by generating more than 2200 jobs but also underscores a strong commitment to environmental preservation.
The project, which features an impressive array of 337,174 bifacial photovoltaic modules and 5341 solar trackers supplied by Soltec, has been meticulously designed to incorporate a wide range of environmental protection measures. These measures are encapsulated within the Environmental and Landscape Integration Plan of the project, ensuring that the surrounding natural habitat remains unharmed.
To safeguard biodiversity, comprehensive flora surveys were conducted, and an assortment of measures has been implemented. These measures include the installation of vegetative screens, replanting of native species, and anti-collision strategies to protect avifauna. Notably, the project has been closely monitored for its impact on the Bonelli's eagle and the golden eagle. To enhance knowledge and coordination with the environmental authority of the autonomous community, one of these species has been GPS-GSM tagged.
The project also extends its commitment to sustainability beyond its borders, with initiatives such as the installation of self-consumption solutions in the Red Cross headquarters and several public buildings belonging to the Murcia City Council. These measures aim to empower nearby residents to reduce their energy bills and actively participate in the project's economic benefits.
Yago Mancebo, General Manager of TotalEnergies Renewables Spain, expressed enthusiasm about the project's approval, emphasizing its role in decarbonization and local economic development, all while maintaining the region's ecological balance. “Decarbonizing the economy is a major goal,” Mancebo said, “and we are particularly pleased to work on projects where biodiversity and communities are at the forefront.”
Raúl Morales, CEO of Soltec, echoed this sentiment, highlighting their commitment to investing in projects that benefit society as a whole. He lauded the partnership with TotalEnergies, emphasizing its importance in achieving their shared objectives.
In addition to the extensive environmental measures, the project is underpinned by cutting-edge research conducted by the Steppe Forward Chair, a joint effort between TotalEnergies, the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) Foundation, and the Center for Forest Science and Technology of Catalonia (CTFC).
This groundbreaking initiative in Europe is aimed at generating the scientific knowledge required to minimize the impact of solar generation on the environment. It includes monitoring agro-steppe systems and designing specific protocols for application in solar parks, from the design phase to the operational phase.
