Whilst San Miguel residents and politicians are taking exception to the construction of a solar power plant that could provide much needed water from the Torrevieja desalination plant, in a tenuous link to another beer manufacturer, Heineken are revelling in the fact that their production is benefitting from the energy of the sun.
The president of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, has assured that the international company Heineken incorporates world-leading Valencian technology in its new thermosolar plant at its factory in Quart de Poblet.
The president made these statements during the inauguration of Heineken España’s new renewable energy facility, which has become the second largest thermosolar plant for industrial use in Europe and the first commercial plant to generate solar steam for beer production.
In this regard, the president pointed out that a multinational such as Heineken has trusted Valencian engineering and talent, which is a source of pride and progress for “Valencian sustainability, science and innovation”.
Carlos Mazón has insisted that this project involves placing “Valencian science at the service of industry, employment and economic growth” and generates stability in employment, both in Quart de Poblet and in Valencia and throughout the Valencian Community.
The president of the Generalitat emphasised Heineken’s commitment to sustainable development, since “investing in clean and efficient technology shows that it is possible to balance production and economic growth with the protection and conservation of the environment”.
In this sense, he stressed the importance of public-private collaboration in the promotion of renewable energy and sustainability and assured that projects of this magnitude require a favourable regulatory framework, with adequate incentives and close cooperation between companies and administrations.
This notion echoes that which Mazón figure headed when he led the provincial council. Last year, he stated that “Alicante Provincial Council are fully committed to saving and responsible use of energy,” explaining that, for this reason, “we have been helping our municipalities to cover this cost for years.” type of actions that are conscious of their efficiency and their multiple benefits, both economic, social and environmental.”
