The ambition to find the perfect source of renewables and produce energy without polluting (and without nuclear) seems to have no limits. One more example has just been found in this country, which has raised worldwide controversy by wanting to turn on the power plant “left” by Romans thousands of years ago. Moreover, experts warn that, although it has “traveled back in time”, it is not the right time to start it up, and they are predicting the catastrophic consequences that this could have on an exceptionally wide area.
The Romans left this power plant, and this country “has kept it”: It’s not good news
Spain is a country with a long history and many water resources. That is why it seems that now the country is ready to intensively develop hydroelectric power. A well-known renewable energy firm known as Capital Energy revealed plans to construct a hydroelectric plant at the spot next to the Roman facility in Cabrera.
This has been deemed as the largest infrastructural project in the country’s history, with a total estimated cost of a one euro. 15 billion, has an installed capacity of 1,920 MW of electricity, and hence is considered one of the prominent energy players in Spain. The plant will be only 200 meters away from the Roman channels.
The hydroelectric plant in Cabrera is another effort by Capital Energy to provide social solutions that involve the solutions of energy demands. Hydropower projects The company holds a large pipeline of hydro projects in different stages of development across Spain and others exhibiting commitment in the energy transition.
The present project is expected to be one of the biggest hydroelectric plants in the nation, with a potential power generation up to 1,920 MW. Taking advantage of the flow of water in the river, the plant is going to be established in a way that it will use water to generate power and electricity, hence clean sources of energy.
Spain, to produce gold and this “new energy”: $1.5 billion from this better-than-photovoltaic source
The expected cost of the project is approximately €1.5 billion ; this is a huge amount that points to the significance of this endeavor. The plant will hence consist of a total installed capacity of 1,920 MW, making it play a great role in the energy mix of Spain, with a source considered to be better than hydrogen.
Although its target relative to PE generation is in the medium term, Capital Energy has a strategic outlook for the creation of renewable projects in Spain. The firm is currently engaged in different activities such as construction of pumped-storage hydroelectric plants with VERBUND Green Power.
The specific objectives of this strategic alliance involve establishing two pumped-storage hydroelectric plants in Spain with an aggregate generation capability of approximately 830 MW. These projects, together with the Cabrera hydroelectric plant, belong to the ambitious long-term plan of Capital Energy that focuses on energy transition and, therefore, on the decarbonization of the economy.
Renewable energy that environmentalists do not want: a paradox that is easy to explain
However, this project that has brought so many benefits is not without contradictions. While implementing the project, there were some issues that aroused the attention of environmental organizations and locals – the question of the impact on the environment and the culture of the region.
It has also sparked some concern about the closeness of the plant to these Roman relics, the issue of the preservation of such heritage sites. Nevertheless, there is the assurance that this will be done without affecting the environment or any cultural structure in the region by Capital Energy.
As for the specificity of the case, the Cabrera hydroelectric plant is of specific concern as it embodies a fundamentally new concept of energy in Spain. The country has been dependent mostly on fossil fuels; However, efforts to diversify the energy mix and achieve set climate milestones are key here.
As you can see, this new power plant in Cabrera aims to produce hydraulic energy in a somewhat controversial way, seriously affecting ecosystems and endangering dozens of species of flora and fauna. Doesn’t it sound like some of the projects we have seen in America? From the east coast to the west coast, there are also more that are causing controversy because of their serious impact on biodiversity and causing a curious scenario: environmentalists saying “no” to renewables (for a good cause).
