Spain powers up green energy as Alstom installs Over Three Thousand solar panels in Santa Perpètua, Barcelona, to generate Nearly Three Thousand megawatt hours annually and supply over Twenty percent of the factory’s electricity

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

In a bold move towards sustainability, Spain is accelerating its green energy efforts as Alstom completes the installation of 3,596 solar panels at its Santa Perpètua factory in Barcelona. This ambitious solar project is set to generate an impressive 2,776 megawatt hours of clean energy annually, which will account for over 26 percent of the factory’s total electricity consumption. With this strategic step, Alstom is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also reaffirming its commitment to a greener, more energy-efficient future.

Pioneering Green Energy in Industrial Rail Manufacturing

Alstom’s industrial facility in Santa Perpètua, nestled in the heart of Barcelona, is now blazing a trail in clean energy innovation with the completion of the first phase of a powerful new solar project. Once fully operational, the solar energy system will generate enough electricity to supply over a quarter of the factory’s total energy consumption, cutting back significantly on carbon emissions while reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability.

Key Figures: Energy Generation and Carbon Impact

The renewable energy initiative features a cutting-edge photovoltaic system with a total peak capacity of 2,041 kWp. By integrating a fleet of 3,596 solar panels across rooftops and parking zones, the project is expected to deliver 2,776 MWh of green electricity annually — a direct hit to the factory’s carbon footprint and a major boost to its operational efficiency.

Phase One Completed: Solar Megawatts Already Flowing

The panels, already partially connected to the internal grid during the recently completed Phase One, have started producing carbon-free megawatts on-site. These initial 2,419 panels have been installed on building rooftops, office structures, and parking shelters. The clever use of previously underutilized space — including the creation of shaded parking covered with solar arrays — maximizes both functionality and eco-benefits.

Phase Two Underway: Expanded Coverage by June

Phase Two of the development, already underway and expected to wrap up before the end of June, will bring even more solar power to the site. An additional set of panels is being installed over a secondary parking area, which is currently being retrofitted with a canopy roof to host the infrastructure.

Massive Coverage, Massive Impact

With over 9,000 square meters of surface area covered by panels — roughly the size of two football fields — the solar system is set to become a landmark of sustainable industry in Catalonia. In terms of environmental impact, the facility’s solar energy production will prevent 694 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, equivalent to removing 162 petrol-powered cars from the road annually.

A Broader Green Strategy Across Alstom Spain

This solar leap is only part of a much broader green strategy for Alstom Spain. Like all of Alstom’s Spanish sites, Santa Perpètua already runs exclusively on electricity from renewable sources, thanks to a certified green energy procurement plan. Over the years, the facility has steadily improved its energy efficiency through a wide-ranging initiative that includes:

• Retrofitting old equipment with modern, energy-saving alternatives
• Transitioning to LED lighting
• Promoting internal awareness campaigns for energy conservation

Greening Beyond Technology: A Living Forest on Site

In addition to technological upgrades, Alstom has taken a unique ecological step: the creation of a 1,000-tree forest within the facility’s land. Registered with Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition, this green space is part of a pioneering initiative to track, absorb, and offset the site’s carbon emissions. It’s a first-of-its-kind project for any factory in the national rail sector, cementing Alstom’s leadership in environmental stewardship.

Spain is boosting green energy as Alstom installs 3,596 solar panels at its Santa Perpètua factory in Barcelona, generating 2,776 megawatt hours annually to power over 26% of the facility’s electricity needs.

A Symbol of Industrial Innovation and Climate Responsibility

This latest move aligns with Alstom’s broader global push to decarbonize its industrial footprint and lead the mobility industry toward a cleaner, smarter future. With transport systems worldwide demanding greener solutions, Alstom’s investment in solar power not only enhances its energy autonomy but also demonstrates that industrial innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand.

As the second phase nears completion and the full system comes online, the Santa Perpètua site will serve as a beacon for what’s possible when cutting-edge engineering meets eco-conscious commitment.