Relatives ‘had no idea’ as cemeteries turned into net-zero solar farms

Valencia has started converting its cemeteries into solar farms, sparking anger from relatives of the dead who say they were not consulted on the plan to meet net zero targets.

The Spanish city authorities hope to build Europe’s largest urban photovoltaic farm, consisting of nearly 7,000 panels installed in cemeteries as part of a project called Requiem in Power (RIP).

So far, three small cemeteries have started generating renewable energy, and larger sites will soon be part of a €3.2 million (£2.6 million) project that forms part of the city’s plans to become carbon neutral by now. 2030.

Revealing hundreds of solar panels gleaming atop tombs at the 200-year-old Campanar cemetery earlier this month, local official Carlos Mundina admitted that the plan had not been consulted with relatives of the deceased.

“It’s a public facility and (the graves) are leased for 30-50 years, so we don’t have to consult anyone,” said Mundina, Valencia’s head of climate and energy transition.

“Cemeteries are places of absolute silence, something that solar energy does not disturb,” he added.

A city hall spokesman said: “We are looking for all possible public space that will help achieve our goals.”

The majority of electricity will come from public services, with just over 10 percent set aside as free energy for vulnerable families.

However, not everyone is happy with the plan to squeeze renewable energy from holy places, which has surprised Valencia residents due to the lack of any consultations.

“They should ask people first.”

“I had no idea. I’m wondering about the aesthetic aspect,” said María Luisa Mora, a 76-year-old whose parents are buried in the General Cemetery of Valencia.

“It’s a bit weird. I don’t mind it, but they should ask people first,” said Esther, 29, from Valencia.

“It’s always the same; the government just does what it wants without consultation,” she added.

Mundina insisted that RIP would benefit citizens, noting that Valencia’s social services had already identified 800 households receiving help with their bills who would now receive free energy thanks to additional solar power pumped into the grid.

“These users will also learn about energy efficiency and how to make the most of solar energy by adapting their consumption to the time of day when it is produced,” he added.

An organization funded by the city hall, València Clima i Energia (VCiE), was tasked with educating citizens about climate change, helping to create the city’s first local energy communities tasked with installing solar panels.

Empar Puchades is the president of a 62-person energy community in the working-class suburb of Valencia, Castellar, which has received permission to place its solar farm on the roof of a local community center.

“Everything’s fine, for the better”

“People who live in houses and can afford to spend EUR 8,000 or EUR 9,000 on their own photovoltaic installation – this is very good. What about people who don’t have that economic power? – said Mrs. Puchades.

With a minimum initial investment of €600, community members have cut their electricity bills in half, especially if they can adapt to using the devices during the day, as the energy is free while the panels produce it.

Corentin Girard from VCiE says that better information for users and access to renewable energy programs create a win-win situation for people and the environment. “It’s about reducing energy consumption, but doing it in a fair way.”

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