Enel Green Power Secures Permit for 100-MW Solar Project

• Enel Green Power's Rocinante solar project in Puertollano is set to power the future with 100 MW of sustainable energy—transforming reclaimed land for a greener tomorrow!

Enel Green Power Espana has received a construction permit for its 100-MW Rocinante solar project in Puertollano, Spain. The Puertollano City Council announced the approval, which includes a €4.1 million investment for the solar farm and its associated substation. Enel has 12 months to complete the project, which received prior consent from the Spanish ministry for ecological transition.

The Rocinante solar plant will utilize over 215,200 Longi bifacial solar modules, with Sungrow supplying the inverters. Notably, the facility will be built on land that has been reclaimed from previous coal mining activities, aligning with sustainable development goals.

What are the key features and impacts of Enel's Rocinante solar project in Puertollano?

Here are the key features and impacts of Enel's Rocinante solar project in Puertollano:

Key Features:

• Capacity: The Rocinante solar project will have a total capacity of 100 megawatts (MW), contributing significantly to the region’s renewable energy portfolio.
• Technology: The project will employ over 215,200 bifacial solar modules from Longi, known for their efficiency and ability to capture sunlight from both sides, maximizing energy output.
• Inverters: Sungrow will supply the inverters, which are vital for converting direct current (DC) generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) suitable for the grid.
• Land Utilization: The project site consists of reclaimed land previously utilized for coal mining, showcasing a shift towards renewable energy development on repurposed lands.
• Investment: Enel has committed €4.1 million to the construction, indicating a significant economic investment in local renewable infrastructure.
• Timeline: Enel is required to complete construction within 12 months, demonstrating a commitment to timely project delivery and implementation.
• Regulatory Approval: The project has received necessary permits and approvals from both the Puertollano City Council and the Spanish ministry for ecological transition, ensuring compliance with legal and environmental standards.

Impacts:

• Environmental Benefits: By transforming a former coal mining site into a solar farm, the Rocinante project actively contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promotes ecological restoration.
• Economic Development: The investment and construction of the solar plant are expected to create local job opportunities, stimulating the regional economy and supporting workforce development in green technology.
• Energy Security: The addition of 100 MW of solar capacity will enhance local energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with national and EU energy transition goals.
• Community Engagement: The project may foster community involvement through educational initiatives on renewable energy, potentially supporting broader public acceptance of solar technologies.
• Sustainable Development: By reusing land affected by coal mining, Enel's Rocinante project exemplifies sustainable development practices aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change while providing clean energy solutions.
• Grid Stability: As the solar energy production contributes to the grid, it aids in stabilizing energy supply and may reduce energy costs for consumers in the region by promoting a diverse energy mix.
• Ecosystem Restoration: The reclamation and transformation of the land could promote biodiversity and ecological health in the area, contributing to long-term environmental sustainability.

This comprehensive approach underscores the potential of Enel's Rocinante solar project to not only generate power but also foster economic and environmental benefits in Puertollano and beyond.