On March 6, 2023, Canadian Solar Inc. announced that six of its solar photovoltaic projects totaling 685 MW, located in the regions of Andalusia and Castilla y León in Spain, have received favorable Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) from the Spanish Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge and the Environmental Agency of Castilla y León.
Sustainable solar projects
The EIA assesses the direct and indirect impacts of an energy project on a range of environmental factors, including impacts on the local community, biodiversity, land, soil, water, air, climate, landscape and cultural heritage. The EIA procedure ensures that environmental protection and considerations are taken into account from the beginning of project development activities. The process also promotes public engagement and ensures transparency in the decision-making process.
A growing portfolio of solar projects
The autonomous regions of Andalusia and Castilla y León are two of the most promising and fastest-growing regions in Spain for solar energy, with some of the best solar radiation in the world. All projects are expected to begin construction in 2023 and be fully operational by 2025.
The company’s total portfolio of solar PV parks under development in six autonomous communities in Spain exceeds 2 GW. This environmental approval for the 685 MW is another important milestone for Canadian Solar in the Spanish market, where the company has been operating since 2006.
Job creation and reduction of CO2 emissions
These projects are expected to create nearly 1,700 local jobs and generate enough clean energy to power approximately 365,000 homes, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 350,000 tons. Canadian Solar’s President and CEO, Dr. John H. K. K., is a member of the Board of Directors of Canadian Solar. Shawn Qu, said, “As a responsible renewable energy provider, we integrate ESG (environment, social, governance) not only in our manufacturing business, but also in our project development business. We assess the environmental and ecological impacts of every project we develop around the world. We are very pleased to have recently obtained the Environmental Impact Assessment for our six projects in Spain. They will help reduce electricity prices for end consumers, decarbonize Spain’s energy mix and promote the energy transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
