- The initiative, carried out as part of the Valdecarros urban development works (Madrid), will contribute to the decarbonization of the works
ACCIONA, in a joint venture with Grupo Ortiz, is carrying out two pilot projects based on the supply of zero-emission energy and drinking water in the Valdecarros Stage 3 development works, a project awarded by the Valdecarros Compensation Board.
The first of these initiatives consists of the installation of a zero-emission power generation system based on a hydrogen fuel cell genset that will power the site’s offices/huts. This system was developed by AFC Energy.
On the other hand, an atmospheric drinking water generation system, developed by GENAQ, has been installed on this same site to supply the site personnel. This innovative system produces drinking water from the moisture in the air, using zero-emission energy provided by the hydrogen generator to cool and condense the moisture in the air. The atmospheric generator can produce up to 200 liters of water per day.
This is the first experience at national level in the construction sector in which a system with these characteristics is able to obtain “zero-emission water” from the air, and the second experience at ACCIONA site level in which this type of technology is used.
The reduction of emissions from electricity supply and water consumption on construction sites is becoming increasingly important, and therefore the adoption of new technologies and solutions that support the decarbonization of construction projects has become a priority for ACCIONA.
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ACCIONA has extensive experience in the implementation of zero-emission generator systems based on hydrogen fuel cells, making the Valdecarros initiative the fifth implementation of this type of technology on ACCIONA construction sites. The company thus consolidates its position as the first and only Spanish construction company to have implemented this type of system.
ACCIONA also has experience in the use of atmospheric water generators for human consumption on its construction sites. An example of this is the use of this technology in the current construction project of the New Central Hospital of Alentejo in Évora (Portugal). Earlier this year, the project installed larger equipment with a higher water production capacity compared to the current Valdecarros project, allowing it to meet the drinking water needs of more than 600 workers on site.