For the first time in Spain Falck Renewables obtains a certificate of excellence in sustainability for its solar project in Chiva

26 July 2021 - Falck Renewables is the first company in Spain to obtain the Certificate of Excellence in Sustainability and Biodiversity conservation in solar plants. This recognition, issued by the Unión Española Fotovoltaica (UNEF), acknowledges that the land on which the solar plant is installed meets the highest standards of social and environmental integration.

The project recognized is located in the Valencian town of Chiva, it combines an innovative engineering design with the most suitable agricultural technology for the area. The project is designed to ensure the installation of rows of photovoltaic modules are compatible with local crops which, among other advantages, encourages pollination. It also allows for grazing and ensures biodiversity, in order to maintain and increase, local agricultural activity.

To achieve the maximum agricultural yield from the land, Falck Renewables works with local organizations and institutions, local farmers and experts in the field. The installation of this photovoltaic plant will also bring social and economic benefits to the community, as the plant will supply energy to 80,000 homes, generate more than 500 jobs during its construction phase, giving priority to local employment and will bring the City Council 4 million euros through the ICIO, as well as more than 600,000 euros per year in IBICE and IAE*, amongst other benefits. At the end of the 35-year lifetime of the installation, Falck Renewables will remove the solar modules and return the land to its original form (100% reversible).

In response to the awarding of this certificate, Juan Antonio Blanco, Business Development Director at Falck Renewables, has commented: 'For Falck Renewables it is a great milestone and an honor to have received this recognition for our photovoltaic plant in Chiva, the result of our effort to put in place a 100% sustainable project suitable with its surroundings, with the most efficient technique and the most complete engineering design and best adapted to the terrain. All this in addition to our commitment towards the local community, bringing social benefits to our neighbors beyond the strictly technical or business ones. And, of course, in line with our energy transition objectives within the framework of the decarbonization envisioned by agenda 2030. In short, for us this certification confirms that the Chiva project will be one of the most sustainable, modern, efficient and community-engaged photovoltaic plants in the country'.

Among the requirements needed to obtain the Seal of Sustainable Excellence, are socio-economic obligations, which consider the positive impact on local employment, the effects on the economy and engagement with the local stakeholders. The requirements related to the environmental field are mainly focused on the site of the installation, in the assessment of its environmental impact and in the design of the plant. Furthermore, the certification requires the removal of the plant, meaning that by the time of their decommissioning, the local environment will have improved considerably.

Certificates are issued by independent certification companies (in this case, by CERE).

• ICIO, IBICE, IAE: Spanish taxes