Acciona Energía gives the green light to its Extremadura I, II and III photovoltaic complex with the aim of starting the largest solar plant in Spain in Almendralejo (Extremadura). In addition, the firm’s commitment to this territory will mean a direct investment in the community’s social projects.
This plant is made up of more than 230,000 photovoltaic modules that will generate 257GWh of clean electricity annually, equivalent to the consumption of some 65,000 homes, which will prevent the emission of some 112,000 tons of CO2 per year. The total investment of the project exceeds 80 million. It should also be noted that the company will invest a percentage of the profits generated by the plant in the development of Extremadura.
In collaboration with the Almendralejo City Council and AlmaNatura, the company has implemented the ‘Colabora Almendralejo’ project, as part of its Social Impact Management (GIS) program associated with the project. This initiative arises after a social impact and an “open dialogue” with all the interest groups identified in the study area with the aim of connecting unemployed youth and companies so that they work together and promote the sustainability and employability of the municipality. .
In this way, a total of 25 young people will receive free training in various areas such as sustainability, innovation and the identification of socio-environmental challenges. In addition, ten companies will participate in support sessions to identify their main areas for improvement and challenges in terms of sustainability.
With the knowledge acquired, young people and companies will work together in a series of co-creation workshops to develop solutions that promote the sustainability of companies and help them overcome the challenges identified, Acciona highlighted in a press release. The five best solutions from the companies that emerged from this collaboration
Archaeological remains
The construction works of Extremadura I, II and III have brought to light a series of “very relevant” archaeological remains, among which a group of Chalcolithic settlements from more than 5,000 years ago stands out. The company has worked hand in hand with archaeologists, specialists in heritage conservation and the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage of the Junta de Extremadura to locate, demarcate and safeguard the 11 sites found that represent 30 hectares of archaeological protection.
In this way, Acciona Energía has been adapting the design and configuration of its photovoltaic project to ensure the protection and protection of the vestiges that have been delimited. Likewise, the company will undertake and fully finance the excavation of these deposits.
