7,668 Solar Panels Begin Operation

A new photovoltaic park in Sant Pere Sallavinera, Anoia, has entered service this week, delivering clean electricity to rail infrastructure across Catalonia. The Llavinera solar park, developed by L’Energètica, the Generalitat’s public renewable energy company, features 7,668 solar panels across 4.8 hectares adjacent to an industrial estate. With an installed capacity of 3.52 megawatts peak (MWp), the facility is expected to generate around 5.5 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually. This output equals approximately 130% of the yearly electricity consumption of Igualada University Hospital, according to data from the Consorci Sociosanitari d’Igualada.

Direct Supply to Rail Services

All energy produced will be supplied to Infraestructures Ferroviàries de Catalunya (Ifercat), the public body responsible for developing and managing certain regional rail infrastructure. The transfer will operate via a remote self-consumption system, allowing electricity generated at the site to be used at distant rail facilities. The project, part of L’Energètica’s second public call for photovoltaic parks up to 5 MW, represents an investment of €2.65 million. According to the Institut Català d’Energia, the plant will prevent around 1,600 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.

Renewable energy helps contain public transport energy costs, especially amid rising electricity prices.

, Daniel Pérez, Director General of L’Energètica

Political and Local Support

Josep Rull, President of the Parliament of Catalonia, visited the site this week alongside Maties Bosch, mayor of Sant Pere Sallavinera, and L’Energètica officials. Rull emphasized the importance of electrification and renewable energy in cutting emissions and boosting economic competitiveness. Bosch highlighted strong local social acceptance of the project, a factor L’Energètica considers when selecting investments. The Llavinera plant contributes to the Generalitat’s strategy to expand public renewable energy generation. L’Energètica aims to manage at least 1,000 MW of renewable capacity by 2040, powering public services with self-produced, clean electricity. L’Energètica has already launched a third call for photovoltaic installations, preselecting projects worth €12 million, exhausting the allocated budget.

Primary sources: icaen.gencat.cat, dtes.gencat.cat. Reported by igualadanews.cat, biorenovables.cat, Igualada News.