The Alhendín solar park in southern Granada, Spain, is pioneering a unique approach by integrating solar energy production with agricultural activities and biodiversity conservation.
BayWa r.e., a global leader in renewable energy, has initiated agricultural operations at this 54 MWp photovoltaic park, which began supplying electricity to the local grid in May 2024. The innovative agrovoltaic system allows for farming machinery to operate between solar panels, promoting both energy generation and sustainable agriculture.
Approximately 10% of the park is designed to facilitate agricultural activities without the use of chemicals, ensuring that local farmers can harvest forage crops in spring. The project also includes measures to enhance local biodiversity, such as planting a vegetation screen around the solar park to provide refuge for wildlife and reduce habitat fragmentation.
In addition to agricultural initiatives, the park has established nesting towers for the native lesser kestrel, aiming to bolster the species' population in the area. Environmental measures include water collection systems, wildlife shelters, and monitoring of terrestrial mammals through camera traps.
As part of its community engagement strategy, BayWa r.e. plans educational visits for local schoolchildren and public discussions to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and sustainable practices. The project exemplifies a new model in Spain, merging renewable energy production with ecological and community benefits.