In Valencia, RIP means using cemeteries to produce renewable energy

“Requiem in Power”, as the full name of the project is, is promoted as the largest urban photovoltaic power plant in Spain

The city of Valencia has officially launched “Requiem in force” project this month. And its abbreviation – RIP – is not accidental and unfortunate, but rather intentional. You see, the initiative aims to install 6658 photovoltaic panels not just anywhere but at local cemeteries.

Moreover, the promoted goal is to actually create what would happen the largest urban photovoltaic farm in Spain, in the words of Alejandro Ramon, councilor for the climate crisis and energy transition in Valencia.

According to the city authorities, the first phase began with the installation of the first 810 photovoltaic panels in the cemeteries of Grau, Campanar and Benimàmet, which will mean a total production of over 440,000 kilowatts per year and over 140 tons of carbon dioxide savings per year. sources.

Leaving no urban space unused

Cemeteries represent quiet spaces of rest and contemplation, but also urban spaces that can be included in the energy transformation process without changing their original purpose. Roofs of public buildings were adapted for this purpose in a similar way.

The RIP project is an integral part of the Valencia 2030 Climate Mission, which was the basis and a strong reason why the city was selected as the Green Capital of Europe 2024.

The long-term goals included in the Climate Mission are as follows: 27% of energy will be produced from renewable sources, 100% of Valencia’s renewable energy production capacity will be integrated into public infrastructure and buildings in 2030, urban lighting will become 100% LED, local energy communities in the neighborhoods of Valencia will become a functioning reality.

The green electricity produced in cemeteries will mainly be intended for consumption in municipal buildings to ensure the self-sufficiency of the local public sector, but 25% will also go to powering a thousand vulnerable households also.