X-ELIO, a global developer of photovoltaic and energy storage projects, has inaugurated the 368 MW Lorca Solar photovoltaic project in the municipality of Lorca, Spain’s Region of Murcia.
The project represents an investment of €335 million and is expected to generate approximately 683,374 MWh of clean electricity annually. The generation is equivalent to the average annual electricity consumption of around 196,000 households.
More than 2,100 professionals were involved in the construction of Lorca Solar, including approximately 600 workers from municipalities surrounding the project. More than 80 local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also participated in the development and construction activities.
Long-Term Power Purchase Agreements
Part of the electricity generated by Lorca Solar has been contracted through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Thermo Fisher Scientific, GSK, Haleon, Gilead Sciences and The Sherwin-Williams Company.
The project was financed by Banco Santander, the Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO) and Unicaja.
Environmental Measures Across 400 Hectares
Lorca Solar covers more than 760 hectares, of which approximately 400 hectares have been allocated to environmental measures aimed at habitat restoration, biodiversity protection and the preservation of traditional land uses.
The measures include managing agricultural plots to support steppe birds and birds of prey, introducing sheep grazing for vegetation management and wildfire-risk reduction, and installing wildlife shelters and breeding areas.
The project’s environmental and community initiatives are being implemented through X-ELIO’s Sustainable Communities and Nature Plan, which focuses on creating local opportunities while supporting the surrounding ecosystem.
Local Community Initiatives
As part of the programme, X-ELIO has supported certified training programmes covering photovoltaic project installation and occupational risk prevention. The company has also supported the installation of solar self-consumption systems at schools and public buildings.
The company recognised local associations and organisations that participated in initiatives associated with the Sustainable Communities and Nature Plan during the project’s inauguration.
X-ELIO’s Murcia Portfolio Reaches 846 MW
Lorca Solar adds to X-ELIO’s existing renewable energy portfolio in the Region of Murcia. The company has operated in the region for 18 years and has brought 14 photovoltaic plants with a combined capacity of 846 MW into operation.
X-ELIO said it will continue evaluating additional photovoltaic and energy storage opportunities in Murcia to support growing energy demand while maintaining its engagement with local communities and environmental initiatives.
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