BayWa’s renewables business has unveiled its first hybrid wind and solar project, totalling 188MW, in Spain.
The combination of renewable energy projects will consist of three wind farms with a capacity of 135MW, which represent the largest onshore wind installation for the company in Europe to date.
It will also include two solar farms with a total capacity of 53MW.
BayWa r.e. has developed the project in cooperation with its local partner CEAR, who will continue to support the development of the cluster.
The installations will be located in the municipalities of Epila, Lumpiaque and Rueda de Jalon, next to Zaragoza, in northern Spain and represents a trailblazing and innovative model for future renewable ventures.
Each of the three wind farms will consist of eight Nordex turbines and will have a capacity of 45MW.
The two photovoltaic plants will have a capacity of 30MW and 23MW respectively.
The five sites will require an investment of more than €280m, with the renewable electricity sold through a power purchase agreement (PPA).
BayWa r.e. will build these sites on the same area, starting the construction works with the wind farm cluster.
The installations will use less space for maximised land use, which will optimise project development and execution expenses, as well as ensure improved financing conditions.
The wind and solar farms will share the same grid infrastructure, reducing grid infrastructure costs.
All five plants are scheduled to be operational and connected by end of 2025.
Global director of projects and BayWa r.e. executive board member Daniel Gafke said: “We are very excited to develop this project.
“It sets a precedent for us in Spain, as it is unique in terms of project size and the innovative structure of combined wind and solar energy generation.
“We will closely collaborate with the local community so that people and the environment can benefit as much as possible from Rueda Sur’s positive impact: promoting biodiversity, improving sustainability, and creating jobs.”
The environmental permit has already been granted, confirming that the project is compatible with the environmental specificities on site.
Various environmental measures will be taken to enhance the landscape and improve biodiversity.
For example, the innovative IdentiFlight bird detection system, which incorporates artificial intelligence to spot protected avian species, will be implemented.
Global director of IPP at BayWa r.e. Alexander Rothenanger said: “We are excited to further expand our IPP business with Rueda Sur, making good progress towards achieving around 2GW in 2024 – and even more in the future.
“Combining different technologies and energy sources for projects such as this one is always a complex but important challenge, while also providing true added value for our diverse portfolio.”