Our Renewable Energy and High-Voltage Networks teams at Eiffage Energía Sistemas were at the inauguration of Lorca Solar, a solar plant with 368 MW of installed capacity in Zarcilla de Ramos, in the municipality of Lorca, and one of the highest-output photovoltaic installations in the Region of Murcia.
With a budget of more than €135 million, the project also covers the plant’s grid connection infrastructure. It is a technically complex undertaking, in line with the sustainability and innovation criteria of the Eiffage Group.
Representatives of X-ELIO and the local authorities joined the ceremony, alongside a team from Eiffage Energía Sistemas headed by Daniel Garrido, International and Renewables Director, and Joaquín Villar, High Voltage Director.
Energy and environmental protection
Every year, Lorca Solar will generate around 683,374 MWh of clean energy, enough to cover the average annual consumption of some 196,000 homes.
Of the 760 hectares the project occupies, more than half (around 400) have been set aside for environmental measures that restore habitats, encourage biodiversity and keep traditional land uses alive.
Chief among the planned actions are managing farmland plots for steppe birds and raptors, bringing in sheep grazing to keep vegetation in check and lower the risk of wildfires, and installing shelters and breeding sites for local wildlife.
Grid connection infrastructure
As part of the project, we built the grid connection infrastructure. It is a strategic piece of work that strengthens Eiffage Energía Sistemas’ commitment to renewable energy and to decarbonising the national energy system.
The scope covers building the Lorca 132/30 kV step-up substation and the Totana 400/132 kV step-up substation, plus 29 kilometres of underground high-voltage lines (132 kV), 20 kilometres of high-voltage overhead lines (132 kV) and a 300-metre, 400 kV overhead line.
Beyond driving energy development in the Region of Murcia, this infrastructure connects the present with the needs of the future, making sure the energy generated at Lorca Solar reaches the grid in the best conditions of efficiency and safety.
A partnership spanning more projects
Alongside Lorca Solar, Eiffage Energía Sistemas has handled construction and operation and maintenance (O&M) services for several solar plants developed by X-ELIO in the provinces of Alicante, Almería, Granada and Murcia, together with their grid connection substations.
The projects were contracted on a BOS (balance of system) basis, covering engineering, construction and the supply of all equipment except the PV modules. Together, the plants add up to 809 MW.
The contract also covers maintenance of these installations for 20 years
Photographs: Murcia Plaza