Acciona Energía breaks ground on 178MW solar PV plant in Peru – PV Tech

Report on Renewable Energy Expansion and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

Spanish independent power producers (IPPs), Acciona Energía and Zelestra, are significantly expanding their solar photovoltaic (PV) operations, particularly in Peru. These initiatives represent a substantial contribution to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). The projects involve the construction of large-scale solar facilities, enhancing national energy grids and promoting global partnerships for sustainable development (SDG 17).

Acciona Energía’s Contribution to SDG 7 and SDG 13

Acciona Energía has commenced construction on its first solar PV plant in Peru, a project that directly advances global sustainability targets.

• Project Name: San José Solar PV Plant
• Key Features: The facility will comprise 288,000 solar panels and will be integrated into Peru’s National Interconnected Electric System (SEIN).
• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): By providing clean electricity to the national grid, the project increases the share of renewable energy in Peru’s energy mix, promoting energy security and access.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): The plant will contribute to climate change mitigation by generating power with zero greenhouse gas emissions, displacing fossil fuel-based energy sources.

Global Portfolio and Commitment to Sustainable Infrastructure (SDG 9)

Acciona’s activities in Peru are part of a broader global strategy focused on developing sustainable infrastructure. The company’s commitment is demonstrated by its extensive international portfolio, which aligns with SDG 9 by building resilient and sustainable energy systems.

1. Global Capacity: Acciona possesses a solar PV portfolio of nearly 4GW across 40 projects.
2. International Presence: The company has developed solar plants in nine countries prior to its entry into Peru, including Spain, Chile, South Africa, the US, Ukraine, Portugal, Egypt, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.
3. Ongoing Projects:
   • A 480MW PV plant in Queensland, Australia, with commercial operations expected by mid-2026.
   • A 189MW solar PV plant in Croatia, secured through a contract for difference, with commissioning anticipated in 2027.
4. Diversified Solutions: In addition to utility-scale projects, Acciona supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by developing self-consumption solar projects for corporate and individual clients, promoting decentralized clean energy.

Zelestra’s Impact on Peru’s Renewable Energy Landscape

Concurrent with Acciona’s expansion, Spanish IPP Zelestra has also fortified its presence in Peru, further contributing to the nation’s progress towards SDG 7 and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

• San Martín Solar PV Plant: Zelestra recently inaugurated a 300MW solar facility in Arequipa, Peru. The project was completed in under 18 months, showcasing efficient project delivery and contributing to local economic growth through construction and operational employment.
• Future Developments: Reinforcing its commitment, Zelestra signed a power purchase agreement in April for a new 238MW solar PV plant, signaling sustained investment in Peru’s sustainable future. These actions exemplify SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), with a foreign entity investing directly in the sustainable infrastructure of a developing nation.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article’s central theme is the construction and operation of solar photovoltaic (PV) plants. These projects, such as Acciona’s San José plant in Peru and Zelestra’s 300MW plant, directly contribute to increasing the generation of clean, renewable energy.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The development of large-scale solar farms and their connection to national power grids represents a significant investment in sustainable infrastructure. The article mentions the construction of a “220 kV electrical transmission line” to connect the San José plant to Peru’s National Interconnected Electric System (SEIN), highlighting the development of reliable and sustainable infrastructure.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  By increasing the capacity of solar power, a renewable energy source, the projects discussed help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This transition is a fundamental strategy for mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article illustrates international cooperation and partnerships. For example, Acciona, a Spanish company, is investing and building energy infrastructure in Peru, Australia, and Croatia. Furthermore, the mention of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed by Zelestra in Peru is a form of a multi-stakeholder partnership to achieve sustainable energy goals.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

     The article directly addresses this target by detailing the addition of new solar energy capacity. The inauguration of a 300MW plant, the construction of another, and plans for a 238MW plant in Peru, along with Acciona’s projects in Australia (480MW) and Croatia (189MW), all contribute to increasing the share of renewable energy.

   • Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.

     The actions of Acciona, a Spanish Independent Power Producer (IPP), building a solar plant in Peru and securing financing for a project in Australia, are clear examples of international cooperation and investment in clean energy infrastructure in other countries.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being.

     The solar plants and the associated “220 kV electrical transmission line” are examples of developing sustainable and reliable energy infrastructure that connects to the national grid, thereby supporting economic activity and well-being.

   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable… with greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.

     Building new solar PV plants is a direct application of this target, as it involves creating modern energy infrastructure based on clean technology to make the energy industry more sustainable.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

• Installed capacity of renewable energy (in MW or GW)

  The article provides specific, quantifiable data that can be used as an indicator. It mentions Zelestra’s operational 300MW plant, a planned 238MW plant, Acciona’s 480MW plant in Australia, a 189MW project in Croatia, and Acciona’s total portfolio of nearly 4GW. These figures directly measure the increase in renewable energy capacity, which is a key metric for Target 7.2.

• Development of new energy infrastructure

  The mention of the “220 kV electrical transmission line” is a specific indicator of infrastructure development related to Target 9.1. The number of solar panels (288,000 for the San José plant) also serves as a proxy indicator for the scale of the new infrastructure.

• International financial flows and partnerships

  The investment by a Spanish company (Acciona) in Peru and Australia, and the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) by Zelestra, are qualitative indicators of international financial flows and partnerships (Target 7.a and SDG 17). These actions demonstrate the mobilization of resources for sustainable development.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: pv-tech.org