The public energy organization belonging to the Generalitat, known as L'Energètica, is dedicated to harnessing power from hydroelectric sources.
In a significant move towards sustainable energy, Energètica, the public energy company of the Generalitat, has announced plans for a large-scale renewable project. The project, scheduled to begin construction in 2028 and become operational in 2033, aims to supply around 500 GWh of energy annually.
The project involves the utilisation of the existing reservoir in the Llobregat river and the construction of a smaller, twenty times smaller, reservoir in La Nou de Berguedà. This ambitious endeavour is set to be Energètica's largest renewable project to date, adding an installed capacity of around 500 MW.
The development phase of this project requires a joint investment by all the project partners, amounting to 'around 15 million'. Additionally, the construction would require 'another 450 million'. The lack of budget for the Generalitat is currently slowing down the activities of Energy.
In an effort to secure funding, Energètica is in contact with Catalan provincial councils to incorporate them into the capital of Energy and grant them some representative in the administration council. Having a 10% stake in the capital would give the Generalitat a seat on the board of directors.
Energètica is also expected to facilitate energy to the bulk of the public health sector in 2026. The company is currently supplying energy to around 4,000 supply points and expects to multiply the energy supplied by ten compared to 2024.
The capital of Energy will also be open to the participation of Catalan municipalities. Energètica's model has been replicated in other places, such as Galicia or Navarra, demonstrating its success and potential.
It's worth noting that Energètica currently has around 30 MW of installed renewable capacity and expects to close the year with around 50 MW. The company is also working on its first projects from scratch, and already has five or six photovoltaic installation projects with connection points granted.
The first renewable installation created from scratch by Energy will be located on two closed parcels of the Puigpalter landfill (Girona) and will be ready around late next year or early 2027.
Two other reversible power plants already exist in Catalonia, the Gento-Sallente reservoir and the Montamara, with a combined installed capacity of 534 MW. The hydroelectric power plant project at the La Baells reservoir, where Energètica has already acquired a 10% stake, is one of the most important renewable projects planned in Catalonia in the coming years.
This news marks a significant step forward in Catalonia's commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development. The project's success will not only provide a substantial amount of clean energy but also create opportunities for local participation and economic growth.
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