The Alhendín solar park, recently connected to the Spanish power grid, marks a milestone for the VELUX Group in its transition to renewable energies. This 54MWp park, developed by BayWa r.e., integrates agricultural practices and biodiversity measures, making it BayWa r.e.’s first Agri-PV project in Spain. With over 85,000 solar panels, the solar park produces 96.8GWh of electricity annually, equivalent to the consumption of 24,700 households. The park’s innovative design allows agricultural machinery to pass between the panels, representing around 10% of the total surface area. This innovative project shows how renewable energies can coexist with agriculture, bringing environmental and community benefits.
Sustainability targets achieved
With the completion of the Alhendín solar park, VELUX has reached its target of 100% renewable electricity for its European operations. Kim Jonas, Director of Energy & Climate for the VELUX Group, expresses his satisfaction:
“Building the Alhendín solar park allows us to meet our climate commitments while enhancing biodiversity.”
Daniel Gäfke, Global Project Manager at BayWa r.e., underlines the importance of this partnership:
“We are delighted to support VELUX in achieving its renewable electricity targets, while incorporating pioneering elements such as Agri-PV and biodiversity.”
Solar plant symbiosis
The Solar Plant Symbiosis concept developed for Alhendín Park includes several measures to enhance biodiversity and encourage community involvement. In partnership with the Universities of Córdoba and Autónoma de Madrid, baseline studies, digitization and vegetation monitoring, as well as Agri-PV and rainwater harvesting pilot projects, are being implemented. Other initiatives include planting grasses with natural seeds, creating refuges for wildlife, ponds for amphibians, and watering holes for birds. The project also involves improving steppe habitat and protecting the endangered Lesser Kestrel. These measures will be phased in gradually until spring 2025.
Future prospects
The Gerena solar park, VELUX and BayWa r.e.’s second solar project in Spain, is awaiting regulatory approval and is scheduled for completion in 2025. With a planned capacity of 60MWp, the park will help generate 167GWh of renewable electricity per year, reducing VELUX’s carbon footprint by 40,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. These projects are part of VELUX and BayWa r.e.’s long-term strategy to promote renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
