Endesa, through its renewable energy division, Enel Green Power España (EGPE), has connected the Sedéis V, its first solar power plant located on the perimeter of the former Andorra thermal power station, to the grid.
The new facilities, which have a capacity of 46.66 MWp, have generated more than 280 jobs, 30% of which have been filled locally and now, having been commissioned, will provide permanent employment to 8 people in operation and maintenance activities for the next 30 years.
"These facilities represent a veritable example of the just transition in Andorra, reaffirming our commitment to being a totally emission-free company by 2040", said Rafael González, Endesa's General Manager of Generation, who recalled "the commitment to society in the areas where we had our coal plants by generating wealth again, while looking to the future and taking into account the institutions, local authorities, associations and the local population".
The Sedéis, V photovoltaic project, located on the land of the now closed former Valdeserrana landfill, on the grounds of the former Andorra thermal power station area, will produce more than 79.95 GWh per year, equivalent to the consumption of 20,000 homes, preventing the emission of approximately 32,623 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere each year.
The construction of this project has been based on Enel Green Power's "Sustainable Construction Site" model, including the installation of photovoltaic solar panels to cover part of the energy needs during the construction and water-saving measures through the installation of tanks and rainwater harvesting systems.
Once work is finished, both the photovoltaic panels and the water saving equipment, as well as the defibrillation equipment located in the works, have been donated to local entities and institutions. Likewise, construction materials have been donated to the ATADI and Gloria Fuertes foundation to be able to carry out occupational workshops.
In order to guarantee environmental compatibility and the various uses of the land, Endesa has launched various initiatives for the conservation and maintenance of the natural values in the plant's surroundings, such as beekeeping.
These actions are part of the Shared Value Creation (CSV) projects and initiatives that the company develops in the territories where it is deploying renewable projects, always seeking territorial integration and maximum socioeconomic value for the local communities where they are located.
Endesa is also proposing the hybridization of energy production with the primary sector, incorporating agriculture and beekeeping activities in renewable facilities with the aim of sharing land use, thus generating more opportunities for socio-economic development in the area and combining the company's objectives with the priorities of local stakeholders. To this end, Sedéis V already has a certified bee farm assigned the recently registered Endesa Solar-Powered Honey patent.
As well as generating renewable energy, solar plants have also become ecosystems for the protection of native species through specific crops, the planting of plant species as screens along perimeter fences, the installation of perches for birds of prey and the adaptation of wildlife corridors allowing the passage of fauna.
About Endesa
Endesa is a leading electricity company in Spain and the second largest in Portugal. In addition, it is the second largest gas operator in the Spanish market. It undertakes end-to-end business including the generation, distribution and retailing of electricity. It also offers, through Endesa X, value-added services aimed at the electrification of energy uses in homes, companies, industries and public administrations, including electric mobility, where it is one of the main operators of charging points in Spain. 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 networks through e-distribution, and Corporate Social Responsibility. The Endesa Foundation is also active in CSR. Our team totals around 9,260 employees. Endesa is part of Enel, Europe's largest electricity group.