Cuerva grows in renewable capacity with Hoyas Grandes I and II, two new solar photovoltaic plants in Granada

Located in Hoyas Grandes, in Ventas de Huelma, these plants, owned by a third party, have a combined capacity of 11.6 MW and will supply clean energy to around 2,200 homes in the area.

This is a photovoltaic EPC project of the Granada-based company, positioning them, once again, as a benchmark in the energy transition, through plants that respect the natural environment.

Granada. 03/04/2025. Cuerva has added ‘Hoyas Grandes I and II’, two new photovoltaic solar plants located in Hoyas Grandes, in the town of Ventas de Huelma, Granada, to its portfolio of renewable energy projects

They have a combined capacity of 11.6 MW and will generate around 21.4 MWh of green energy, which will prevent the emission of 5,748 Tof CO2 per year. To achieve this, only a surface area of 15 hectares has been required - as opposed to the so-called ‘mega-plants’ - and thus safeguarding the natural environment as much as possible. All with the lowest possible impact and maximum renewable power to add more green energy production in Spain.

Construction began in mid-2023, and has successfully completed its connection and commissioning, to supply 2,200 homes in the area with clean energy. It is a photovoltaic park that promotes the adoption of solar energy as a key alternative in energy production, thus contributing to the diversification and decentralisation of the electricity supply. It also seeks to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity generation, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change and in the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

“The construction and commissioning of these two solar photovoltaic plants for our client represents a significant milestone achieved thanks to the effort, dedication and experience of the team. Passion and commitment have been instrumental in turning this vision into reality, marking an important step towards a more sustainable and efficient future.” — highlights María Dolores Delgado, Director of Renewables at Cuerva

Environmental measures: flora and fauna

For Cuerva, sustainability is essential when designing its projects, in which not only are they committed to the generation of clean energy, but they also locate them in areas where they generate the least possible impact and work with measures to minimise the impact on the care of the area. Specifically, in Hoyas Grandes, the following have been carried out:

• Construction of a ‘primillar’, a building that provides a safe breeding site for the lesser kestrel, a protected steppe species that inhabits cultivated areas such as those around Hoyas.
• Control of the vegetation with natural means, for which 200 sheep belonging to a local shepherd have been used to clear the solar plant
• Placement of ‘majanos’, groups of stones piled up to provide a safe refuge for reptiles and micro-mammals.
• Creation of three pond for steppe birds and other species living in harmony in the environment to use as a watering place.
• Implementation of anti-collision plates and design of the hunting fencing to allow the passage of wildlife and prevent damage to birds.

In addition, a reforestation and ecological restoration plan will be implemented in the area surrounding the solar park to promote biodiversity and improve the quality of the habitat.

Examples have been the establishment of areas of scrubland for larger fauna to have ecological connectivity in the surroundings of the PSFVs; and reserve areas, conserving more than 15 hectares for the rotation of vegetation to be planted in a way that favours the habitat of steppe birds.

For Lucía Sterling García-Carpintero, head of Renewable Developments at Cuerva:

“The design of each of our projects must take into account the flora and fauna that inhabit the environment and ensure their conservation. That is why, at Cuerva, we take care to define and implement environmental measures that take care of the territory where we install our PSFVs”

Renewable natives

Currently, Cuerva is a specialist in the main renewable technologies with a presence in Spain and Latin America: hydro, wind and solar photovoltaic, with more than 1,750 MW of renewable generation under development and 160 MW already developed.

The company operates and maintains more than 32.2 MW between hydroelectric plants, solar photovoltaic plants and wind farms, contributing to the decarbonisation of the planet with around 97 GWh of clean energy.

In addition to the solar photovoltaic plant in Ventas de Huelma, Cuerva is committed to expanding its renewable generation capacity, with the ongoing construction of 4 new facilities. These include the solar photovoltaic plants at Serrano and La Peña, as well as the hydroelectric plants at the Rules (Vélez de Benaudalla, Granada) and Arenós (Montanejos, Valencia) hydroelectric plants, in addition to the hybridisation with photovoltaic technology of some of its assets that will soon begin construction.

With these projects underway, Cuerva reaffirms its commitment to accelerating the energy transition for all users and agents. Always hand in hand with sustainable innovation with a special focus on the needs of people and society as a hallmark of the company.