The Albolote Canal case

An Enel X partnership with the Albolote Canal community of irrigators: floating photovoltaic modules to improve sustainability and save costs

Albolote, Spain

Canal de Albolote

Agrifood

A partnership between Enel X and the Albolote Canal enabled the installation of floating photovoltaic panels creating a positive impact on the environment and the community of irrigators which relies on the canal’s water to irrigate the fields in the area.

The client

The Albolote canal community of irrigators, established in 1955, covers 1,925 hectares (equivalent to approximately 4,757 acres) and has 1,975 members. It is part of the National Community Federation of irrigation (FENACORE) and of the Andalusian Irrigation Federation community (FERAGUA). It belongs to the hydrographic confederation of Guadalquivir, covering 7 municipalities.

The agreement’s benefits

345

photovoltaic modules installed

16,000

€ savings per year for the Community

61,300

kg fewer CO₂ emissions per year

Enel X’s challenge

The Albolote Canal irrigators’ community asked Enel X to develop a solution to improve energy independence and the installation’s environmental impact, contributing to the climate change challenge which is putting farmers in a difficult position and is causing extended periods of drought.

Enel X realized an innovative solution based on the use of easy to install and long-lasting floating photovoltaic panels. The structure is composed of 345 modules which allow the harnessing of solar power thereby diminishing the irrigation system's negative impact on the environment and its operating costs.

The system, based on renewable energy, guarantees a significant reduction of emissions, generating 60 tons fewer CO₂ emissions per year compared to the previous installation in place. Furthermore, this solution contributes to the Community’s energy independence contributing with a net saving of more than 16,000€ per year.