Enerland hosts a flock of 400 sheep during the construction of the Pitarco Photovoltaic Park in Muel, in the province of Zaragoza.
As part of the environmental preservation action plan, the following was agreed with a local livestock farmer: use of the photovoltaic plant's land for grazing their sheep during the construction phase. This allows them to feed on the existing vegetation before the land is prepared for the installation of the structures.
In recent years, there has been growing encouragement for sheep grazing during the operational phase of photovoltaic parks. This natural practice helps manage vegetation within solar plants, avoiding the use of herbicides or other substances that could contaminate soil and water. In addition, as a further benefit, the soil remains fertilised throughout the plant's operating period thanks to regular manure application. Once it reaches the end of its useful life, the land is kept in optimal condition for cultivation.
In this case, Enerland has extended the value chain across every stage of the site. Thanks to this initiative, the farmer grazes his flock, made up of 400 sheep, on the areas of the future installation. To safeguard animal welfare, activities have been coordinated at all times as construction progressed, making both activities compatible.
Finally, an agreement was reached with the same livestock farmer and the owners of the plots to ensure that grazing work is carried out twice a year. In this way, the benefit is mutual, sustainable and ecological.
About Pitarco Photovoltaic Park
Located on an expanse of more than 100 hectares of land adjacent to the Pitarco Industrial Estate, in the municipality of Muel, Zaragoza, this solar plant will connect 62 MWp to the grid. It will be Enerland's largest project in the Iberian Peninsula. The Pitarco solar park will produce an average of approximately 122,603 MWh of energy per year. This renewable energy is equivalent to the electricity needed to supply more than 29,679 Spanish households.