A guide to how we protect biodiversity at our renewable plants

In Galicia , initiatives such as compatibility studies involving species such as wolves, foxes, roe deer and hare in the surrounding area of wind plants are worth particular note, although it has also been possible to preserve plant species that were disappearing such as Centaurea ultreiae or Armeria Merinoi, which have recovered as part of a biodiversity improvement programme being implemented by Endesa's renewable energy division, Enel Green Power Spain.

In Aragon, initiatives focussing on the protection of wildlife such as the red kite, the Dupont’s lark or the lesser kestrel have been implemented at the Campoliva I, Santo Domingo de Luna, Los Gigantes and Oriche wind farms located between Zaragoza and Teruel.

In Castille and León, Endesa has also performed synergy studies between renewable plants and animal species such as wolves, foxes and hares, at the company's wind farms in Ávila. These studies demonstrate that technology and the environment can coexist. What's more in this area where Endesa performs its wind-related renewable generation

activities, the company collaborates closely with Colectivo Azálvaro, an association dedicated to preserving the "muladar", spaces in which livestock carcasses are disposed of to allow birds to feed, specifically the one in Espinar.

In Catalonia numerous biodiversity actions are being undertaken with regard to conservation around the company's hydroelectric power plants. These actions pursue the conservation of species such as the bat or the Mediterranean turtle, considered an endangered species, reintroducing it into the Flix reservoir. In the areas surrounding Endesa's reservoirs in Catalonia, specific studies are being undertaken to control species such as the zebra mussel with specific actions aimed at protecting the environment in these areas.

Furthermore, studies are being performed on the sustainability of water resources in the face of climate change. In particular, in the Noguera Pallaresa basin, it has been discovered that this can serve as a key tool for the conservation of the ecosystems in the area.

In Murcia, Endesa is also undertaking innovative biodiversity protection initiatives. At the Totana solar plant, a native horticultural species is being developed under the plant's photovoltaic panels, making it possible to develop a perfect synergy between industrial and agricultural uses at the same time. At this plant, a green corridor has also been developed that not only serves as a plant screen, but also for several species to nest, as they find a safe haven in these environments. Furthermore, grazing is being used as a measure for natural clearing the solar plant as well as a pest control system that is currently being developed through the installation of nests and perching sites for species of raptors to naturally tackle pests. A fully-fledged synergy to undertake activities that make it possible to generate clean energy.

In Castille and La Mancha, the Montilla wind farm (Cuenca) has agricultural and environmental measures in place across an area of 20 hectares to promote the development of species such as the little bustard, classed as a protected species. Measures are also being applied at the Peña II and Picazo wind farms in Guadalajara, where, thanks to an area of 20 hectares, the interconnection of the metapopulations of Dupont’s lark, another species classed as being threatened, have been increased.

In Extremadura , multiple actions are being taken with a view to using the land in a way that benefits the environment. At many farms, like the Valdecaballeros, Augusto and Logrosán farms, agrivoltaic crops are being grown in collaboration with the CTAEX (Agri-food Technology Centre of Extremadura), with actions in place to protect bird species, such as the planting of cereal crops, the installation of dovecotes or heaps of loose stones, known as "majanos".

Specifically, in Logrosán, to control pests in a biological manner, nest and perching sites are being set up for birds of prey, songbirds and bat species; this measure is now being extended to other solar farms, like Valdecaballeros, where studies are under way to restore the pond habitat for the conservation of amphibians and reptiles, in addition to other measures. Furthermore, both Valdecaballeros and Logrosán will set up green corridors to improve the habitat of steppe birds.

Andalusia is home to one of Endesa's most innovative initiatives, such as the solar apiary at the Carmona photovoltaic plant, where sheep naturally clear the land. In addition, aromatic plants have been planted to encourage the pollination of the hives installed at the solar farm. Here, there are a dozen traditional hives that coexist with other smart hives equipped with the latest technology.

The Carmona solar plant is also home to a plant screen and bird and bast nests to favour the local ecosystem and to control pests.

In Malaga, where Endesa manages the La Vega 1 and La Vega 2 solar plants, the company has agricultural and environmental measures in place across an area of about 60 hectares for the conservation of steppe birds, some of which are in danger of extinction. This facility has also implemented hacking techniques for the development of vulnerable species, like the lesser kestrel; this measure is also being rolled out at the Los Arcos wind plant.

Endesa's hydro plants in Andalusia are also a focus of biodiversity, with bat protection actions ongoing at the Doña Aldonza, Guadalmena, Tranco de Beas, Pampaneira, Gobantes and Pintado plants, as well as at the Gaitanejo dam. At these renewable plants, Endesa has installed houses for this species to control its status and population.

Furthermore, at the Chillar hydro plant, actions are being taken to control the Betic midwife toad while at the Dilar plant, measures are being taken to monitor reptiles and amphibians.

In the Canary Islands, Endesa recently launched the world's first laser lighting system at a wind farm in Fuencaliente, on La Palma, to protect the shearwater. This species comes to the island of La Palma every spring to nest and the idea is for them to detect the beam of laser light as a signal and modify their flight path. The objective of this project, which is being supervised by the Government of the Canary Islands, is to protect birds on their night flights.

The system has been designed using a laser lighting mechanism installed in the wind farm's weather tower, with the beam of light being directed towards the shaft of the wind turbine closest to the sea. The aim of this is to help birds on their approach to the area where the wind farm located as they arrive from the sea to nest.

About Endesa

Endesa is the largest electricity company in Spain and the second largest in Portugal. The company is also the second largest gas operator in Spain. Endesa operates an end-to-end generation, distribution and marketing business. Through  Endesa X it also offers value-added services aimed at the electrification of energy usage in homes, companies, industries and Public Administrations. Endesa is firmly committed to the United Nations SDGs and strongly supports the development of renewable energies through Enel Green Power España, the digitalisation of grids through e-distribution and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The Endesa Foundation is also active in CSR. Our workforce numbers around 9,260 employees. Endesa is a division of Enel, Europe’s largest electricity group.