More sustainable and less costly: public lighting gets a makeover
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The small town of Elgoibar in the Basque Country of Spain called on Omexom to optimise the management of its public lighting with the twin objectives of reducing its costs and its environmental impact.
This small community in Spanish Basque Country aims to reduce its CO₂ emissions by 180 tonnes a year.
Located between San Sebastián and Bilbao, the small town of Elgoibar in the Basque Country of Spain has embarked on an ambitious energy efficiency project. This town of 11,500 people awarded a business unit from Omexom (the VINCI Energies brand specialising in the production, transmission, transformation and distribution of electrical energy) the contract to optimise its public lighting, in order to reduce the town’s costs and environmental impact.
“The contract, which began in May 2022 and runs until May 2032, covers the overall management of public lighting, including energy management, maintenance, an operational guarantee and investment in renovating the installations”, explains Alberto Campo, Manager of Omexom Territories – Sustainable Buildings at Tecuni SA. “That makes it eight contracts of this type that we now manage”.
180 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided annually
The ultimate aim is a 100% carbon-free electricity supply using renewable energies. This project, which entails replacing the current lighting system with LEDs, should allow the town to reduce its annual CO2 emissions by 180 tonnes. As well as improved visual comfort, these LEDs offer reduced light pollution by reducing FHS (light emitted in the upper hemisphere).
Digitalising the lighting system will also significantly improve its management. It makes maintenance work more efficient and reduces the number of incidents thanks to increased agility. The high performance of the new installations will enable the town to make significant energy and cost savings (58% saving expected), a considerable advantage given the surge in electricity prices.
The project in Elgoibar coincides with the Spanish government’s launch of its +SE Plan (Plan Más Seguridad Energética). Among the measures introduced under this scheme to help households and the economy, LED upgrades are one of the priority actions for local authorities.
16/05/2023
