Madrid, 11.10.2022 – Aquila Clean Energy in Spain, company that develops, realises and operates renewable energy projects with a focus on solar and wind power, has embarked on a partnership with GREFA, a leader in the study and conservation of nature, to help protect the Spanish imperial eagle.
The Spanish imperial eagle is at risk of extinction and occupies the highest category of protection in the species lists of both the Community of Madrid and Spain.
This programme aims to monitor and research the eagle’s behaviour and, as part of the collaboration, Aquila Clean Energy has sponsored two Spanish imperial eagles. The eagles were released from GREFA's wildlife hospital into the wild on 20 September.
The eagles have been tagged with GPS, which will collect important data about the start and end dates of their migrations, stopovers and feeding sites, the time it takes for them to travel and their habitats. This information is essential in determining which threats pose a danger to their survival.
According to Jorge de Miguel, Head of Development and Construction at Aquila Clean Energy, “the biodiversity crisis overlaps with the climate crisis – there can be no energy transition without environmental protection. The natural environment can benefit from and be complemented by the implementation of clean energy projects that promote the ecological transition and help mitigate the effects of climate change. Projects like this raise awareness that the renewable energies we need and the surrounding environment can coexist”.
For Ernesto Álvarez, president of GREFA, “this type of action is another example of the necessary involvement of the private sector in the conservation of our most endangered native wildlife. This sponsorship goes towards animals that have come to our shelter after their rescue, to be treated in our wildlife hospital with the aim of later releasing them into the wild.
“The released Iberian eagles will provide us with important data about their behaviour in the wild thanks to the GPS equipment they carry on their backs, information of vital importance for their monitoring and control", says Álvarez.
The protection and preservation of ecosystems and biological diversity are part of Aquila Clean Energy’s sustainability plan.
Through this collaboration, Aquila Clean Energy is reaffirming its commitment to integrating sustainable practices that demonstrate the balance between renewable energy rollouts and the conservation of ecosystems and promoting actions that positively impact the environment.
About Aquila Clean Energy in Spain
Aquila Clean Energy in Spain develops, realises and operates clean energy assets - solar, wind, and battery storage. Aquila Clean Energy has a strong local presence in Spain, with a team of over 50 professionals, believing that local, on-site management teams are key to the company´s operations. These teams cover the entire value chain and lifetime of the assets. Aquila Clean Energy is committed to leaving a positive and long-lasting footprint in the regions and local communities where it is present.
Press contacto for Aquila Clean Energy in Spain:
Johanna Guirola-Frank, Team Head Corporate Communications Southern Europe
+34 660 022 039 /johanna.guirola-frank@aquila-capital.com
Amaya Garde
+34 628 085 438 /amaya.garde-extern@aquila-capital.com
Sobre GREFA
GREFA (Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat) is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation founded in 1981 as an association for the study and conservation of nature. In all that time, the NGO's Wildlife Hospital, located in Monte del Pilar (Majadahonda, Madrid), has cared for more than 60,000 animals. Its areas of activity are wildlife recovery, projects with endangered species and environmental education and awareness-raising.
Press contact:
comunicación@grefa.org