The electricity generation capacity of BSM's spaces will increase eightfold over the next two years, with an installed photovoltaic power of almost 2 MWp
The resulting energy will cover around 15% of BSM's annual electricity needs
Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (BSM) is moving forward in its energy self-sufficiency and decarbonisation plan with the addition of new photovoltaic installations. BSM will install 4,200 solar panels for self-consumption in its facilities over the next two years, thus helping make the necessary energy transition towards a self-sufficiency model that relies less on fossil fuels.
The new panels will cover a total of 9,700 m2, increasing BSM's electricity generation capacity eightfold thanks to an installed photovoltaic power of almost 2 MWp. This leap forward reaffirms the company's commitment to sustainability and to mitigating the effects of climate change.
The energy generated by these installations will produce about 15% of the annual electricity used by BSM's facilities. Its remaining energy needs will continue to be met with electricity that is 100% of renewable origin and certified at source, as is already the case.
The project has an estimated total budget of €4 million.
According to Laia Bonet, First Deputy Mayor and President of BSM, "expanding the photovoltaic installations in BSM's spaces highlights this municipal company's firm commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation and supplements the municipal plan of producing five times more solar energy in public spaces and facilities by 2030". The deputy mayor added that projects such as this "are what makes Barcelona a sustainable and pioneering city capable of becoming a major generator of green energy".
The largest panels will be in the Port Olímpic, the Anella Olímpica and Tibidabo
The solar panels' locations have been chosen according to each building’s orientation, characteristics and the hours they are exposed to the sun.
The largest installation will be at the Port Olímpic, more specifically on the Gastronomic Balcony rooftop, where construction work is almost finished. It consists of 3,560 m2 of solar panels with a generation capacity of over 825,000 kWh per year. That makes it the city's largest shared self-consumption installation.
The energy produced by it will provide enough electricity to cover the needs of the port itself as well as other BSM spaces nearby. Of particular significance in the Port Olímpic’s case is the fact that the energy produced will supply the two e-boat chargers that are due to come into operation towards the end of the summer. In addition, thanks to their arrangement in the form of pergolas, they will provide shade to the entire Gastronomic Balcony.
The Anella Olímpica will also play a significant role in this energy self-sufficiency and decarbonisation plan. It will have a surface area of 2,877 m2 of solar panels and will produce 791,060 kWh per year to cover part of its electricity needs. Work has already started on the Anella Olímpica's largest installation, which will cover an area of 2,316 m2 at the Palau Sant Jordi and will come into operation later this year. The other one, covering over 500 m2, will be at the Estadi Olímpic.
The other large photovoltaic panel will be located at Tibidabo. It will have a surface area of around 1,600 m2 and will be installed on a canopy above one of the amusement’s park's car parks. This installation, which is due to be built by 2025, will have an annual electricity generation capacity of around 360,000 kWh, which will be used to cover part of the park's electricity needs.
The other BSM spaces that will generate electricity from renewable sources will be Zoo de Barcelona, the Barcelona Nord bus station, Parc del Fòrum and Cementiris de Barcelona.
The new photovoltaic installations, which are still under study, will increase the generation potential of Zoo de Barcelona and Cementiris de Barcelona. The new installation at Barcelona Nord will be a first for the bus station, while Parc del Fòrum will have a 101 m2 panel.
Sustainability, one of BSM's core lines of action
Sustainability is one of BSM's global strategic lines. In accordance with its aim of making Barcelona more sustainable, the company takes an environmental, social and good governance approach to all its experiences and activities.
This commitment can be seen in its promotion of actions designed to reduce emissions and the use of resources, and also have a positive social impact, as well as in the sustainable management of all its premises.
In addition to electrifying its vehicles, reusing materials and using less drinking water, BSM actively contributes to the decarbonisation of mobility in the city by helping its residents switch to electric vehicles. It does this, among other ways, through the Endolla Barcelona e-mobility network, which already boasts 1,000 EV charging points spread across the city and is getting ready to increase this number to 3,000.
BSM is also enabling the Port Olímpic to become a benchmark of environmental management. A green port that promotes projects to help decarbonise the nautical sector, reduce waste and use more green energy. Moreover, it facilitates regeneration of the seabed by fitting biotopes and cages that are designed to encourage restoration of marine ecosystems.
In addition, BSM is bringing nature closer to the public through Zoo de Barcelona by raising awareness of the importance of preserving biodiversity, as well as enabling endangered native species to be reintroduced to the area.
BSM has received many seals and certificates for its commitment to sustainability. In the field of responsible tourism, the Anella Olímpica, Park Güell, Zoo de Barcelona and Tibidabo have the Biosphere certificate, which is awarded to companies committed to environmentally friendly management models that also ensure a social return on their activities.
Furthermore, BSM's activities are backed by its SGE21 certification, which includes environmental, social and good governance aspects; ISO 14001 certification, which validates environmental management; and the certificate awarded under the European EMAS regulation on eco-management and auditing.
