Yucatan goes for a new photovoltaic park

Cancun, QR. A solar energy generation project called Energías Renovables Saas Photovoltaic Park, to be located in the municipality of Peto, Yucatán, was entered for environmental evaluation before the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat).

The project would generate electricity through renewable energy from solar radiation in around 70 megawatts (MW), through the installation and operation of approximately 128,464 photovoltaic panels, on an area of ​​1,665,298 square meters.

In addition, the Environmental Impact Statement (MIA) indicates that 338 inverters will be installed, a 34.5 Kv collector system, a 34.5/115 Kv booster substation and a 115 Kv electrical transmission line that will be 1,389 meters long. ; as well as access roads and internal roads and various support works.

The planned investment is 45 million dollars by the promoter company Energías Renovables Saas.

In the site where the plant will be developed, the natural areas stand out, however, there are human effects, as well as the installation of a nearby photovoltaic park.

In relation to the protected species or in some risk category, a total of 34 species were detected, seven were herpetofauna species (one amphibian, six reptiles), six species of mammals and 21 species of birds; listed either in the national regulations (NOM-059), it is read in the MIA.

According to the document, 17 residual impacts are identified as a result of the construction of the photovoltaic plant, which refer to the impact on the composition and populations of forest and non-forest vegetation, the mortality of fauna due to being run over, the decrease in the quality of the air by emissions and dispersion of dust by machinery vehicles and water pollution by infiltration of substances, dumping or dragging.

However, it is ensured that after the application of mitigation measures, it is possible to considerably reduce these impacts if said measures are generated and applied correctly, in addition to the possibility of establishing compensatory measures.

“It is considered that the impacts that were generated in the environment by the implementation of the project would not have serious repercussions on the ecosystem, since the necessary measures will be taken to mitigate them. In addition to this, as a result of the impact assessment, none of them was found to be critical and, finally, the petitioner will ensure that the necessary mitigation and/or compensation measures are applied to reduce the degree of affectation of the impacts on the environment”, is added in the document.

estados@eleconomista.mx