English 
Spanish 
3 min read
0 comments
Municipal cemeteries are becoming spaces for generating solar energy. But why is this initiative becoming more popular? Discover the reasons and benefits of this sustainable strategy!
The need for clean energy sources has never been more urgent. The world is looking for sustainable alternatives to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and combat the effects of climate change. As a result, even cemeteries are being used.
Several cities around the world are investing in solar energy as part of their plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
However, one of the major challenges of this transition is the occupation of valuable spaces, such as agricultural land and vulnerable ecosystems.
- MQ-4C Triton: US Navy drone reaches 575 km/h and strengthens global surveillance with $267 million contract
- Elon Musk's Starlink Now Has Cheaper Plans For Casual Users
- Brazil receives strong investment in a sector often forgotten by most
- NEO Gamma is what everyone wanted: The humanoid robot that helps with household chores with artificial intelligence
Faced with this dilemma, the city of Valencia, in Spain, implemented an unusual solution: installing solar panels in municipal cemeteries.
The initiative, called Requiem in Power (RIP), promises to balance the growth of renewable energy with environmental preservation, without compromising productive spaces or areas natural.
The RIP project: how does it work?
The project RIP aims to transform five cemeteries in the city into true urban solar parks. The initiative received an investment of 3,2 milhões de euros and has the potential to generate up to 3.388 MWh of electricity per year. For that, 6.658 photovoltaic modules will be installed by the first half of 2025.
The cemeteries involved in the project are:
- General admission
- Cabanyal
- Grey
- campanar
- Benimàmet
Installation progress
Installation work is proceeding according to schedule. In the Grau, Campanar and Benimàmet cemeteries, the installation of solar panels has already been completed, and the first units are expected to begin operating soon.
- Campanar Cemetery: equipped with 375 solar panels, with the ability to 161,25 kWc in an area of 800 sq.
- Graveyard: shelters 176 photovoltaic panels, occupying 319 sq.
- Benimamet Cemetery: possui 259 solar modules in an area of 564 sq.
With this, Valencia's cemeteries will play a fundamental role in the generation of renewable energy.
Respect for funeral spaces
One of the main questions regarding the project is the impact on burials and respect for the deceased and their families.
However, Valencian authorities guarantee that solar panels will only be installed in roofs of the most recent burial niches, so as not to interfere with the tombs.
This approach minimizes the visibility of the modules and avoids any visual or emotional impact on visitors and family members. The idea is that the installation is discreet and harmonious, becoming almost imperceptible from the ground.
Benefits for the community
The RIP project goes beyond environmental sustainability. With a total capacity of 2.800 kWc, the electricity generated will be distributed as follows:
- 75% will be directed to municipal buildings, reducing public energy costs.
- 25% will benefit low-income families, ensuring access to clean and affordable energy.
Carlos Mundina, responsible for managing cemeteries at Valencia City Council, emphasizes that this initiative will transform the city into reference in urban solar energy.
According to him, the project will result in largest urban photovoltaic plant in Europe, consolidating Valencia as a model of innovation and sustainability.
The future of urban solar energy
Valencia’s experience could pave the way for other cities to implement similar solutions. Taking advantage of underutilized urban spaces to install solar panels could be an effective strategy to expand clean energy generation capacity without harming agricultural or natural areas.
With this, the RIP project stands out as an intelligent and creative alternative to face today's energy and environmental challenges.
For those looking for innovative solutions, it is worth following the development of this initiative and considering ways of adapting it to other regions of the world.
The transition to renewable energy requires creativity and planning. Valencia’s initiative is an example of how sustainability can go hand in hand with respect for the history and heritage of cities. After all, the energy of the future can indeed come from unexpected places.
