renewable energies
Society
Nuclear cemetery designation mired with controversy, but radioactive waste management unavoidable
Business
SEAT builds the world’s largest solar plant on a car factory
Society
Lleida University leads an international study on efficient thermal storage
Society
The world’s first plant combining biomass and solar thermal energy begins supplying power in Catalonia
This pioneering energy plant, located in western Catalonia, will generate 22.5 megawatts of power, the equivalent of the electricity supply to 27,000 houses. The hybrid system combining solar thermal and biomass energy enables the production of electricity 24 hours a day, increasing the production capacity of the plant. It occupies 96 hectares and has 2,688 solar panels. In just 20 months, Abantia and Comse Emte have built the plant and put it to work. The €153 million project will prevent 24,500 tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere.
Business
Baxiroca unveils the largest solar panel manufacturing plant in Spain
The Catalan company opts for sustainable energy and internationalisation to get through the economic difficulties. With this move, Baxiroca hopes to become Europe’s major supplier. The plant has cost 4 million euros and will export 80% of its production.
Society
Wind power production in Catalonia reaches 1,000 megawatts
The 36 wind farms currently in Catalan territory produce enough electricity to supply 2 million people every year and, at the same time, they place Catalonia eighth in the ranking of wind producers in Spain. According to the Catalan Government’s Energy Plan valid until 2015, wind power production could continue to grow and reach 3,500 megawatts.
Society
A Catalan company leads a European project for the creation of hydrogen-producing offshore platforms
The project’s aim is to design maritime platforms able to produce hydrogen, generated with the help of green energies. The platforms could be used to provide service to oil tankers or to fix even fish farming, among others potential uses.
Business
Gas Natural Fenosa has a net profit of 1.1 billion euros between January and September 2011
The Catalan energy company reduced its debt to 54.4%, thanks to disinvestments. Gas Natural Fenosa ended the first nine months of the year with a net profit 0.3% lower than that in the same period in 2010. However, taking into account the effect of the disinvestments, the net profit increased by 11.6%.
Business
First fully electric motorbike to be released in Catalonia in 2011
The motorbike, made by Rieju, will cost around 4,500 euros. The company hopes to sell 2,500 electric motorbikes in 2011.
Business
Gas Natural Fenosa unveils renewable energy subsidiary
The new subsidiary company of Gas Natural Fenosa, Gas Natural Fenosa Renovables, has been created for the development of renewable energies. The new company puts together all the green energy assets of the group. It will jointly compete with Alstom Wind in the Aeolian Competition of Catalonia.