Solar power and Photovoltaic power plant in Barcelona

Barcelona is the city with the highest density of solar panels in Europe. In 2006, solar panels covered 40.095 square meters of the roofs on buildings. Catalonia’s local government highly supports sustainability and the usage of renewable energies, especially solar power.

One of the biggest solar power projects in Barcelona is the changing of the city’s water supply. During the last decade the entire water supply system in Barcelona has been adjusted to be powered by solar energy. Very soon the hot running water of Barcelona’s 1.6 million residents will be warmed by solar energy only. A Solar Thermal Ordinance (Ordenanca Solar) established in 2000 addresses private and public homes, hospitals, leisure centers, restaurants as well as office spaces. The law had been passed to oblige all new buildings and constructions to have solar panels fitted as well as buildings which are being refurbished. There are exceptions, for example historic buildings and monuments, and places which are protecting them. The main aim of the solar power project is the development of technology and innovation, decreasing costs of fossil fuels, avoiding CO2 emissions, creating new jobs and improving the quality of life in Barcelona.

Since the 1990′s Barcelona has already been the number one city in Spain in terms of climate protection and the support of renewable energies such as solar power. In 1997 Barcelona joined the climate alliance of European cities. All of Barcelona’s 200 municipal buildings’ (including swimming pools, schools etc) hot water will be generated by solar power soon. Being the first European city introducing a Solar Thermal Ordinance Barcelona is regarded as the leading city in terms of solar energy. Many other cities in Catalonia follow its example. The 20th European Photovoltaic Conference, one of the most important conferences for solar energy took place in Barcelona in 2005.

One of Barcelona’s biggest Photovoltaic power plants can be found at Port Forum on Placa solar fotovoltaica of the Barcelona forum 2004 area. Standing underneath this impressive solar power station you have a beautiful view of Barcelona beach and the port.

Jacques’ short bio