By Anadolu Agency
May 13, 2026 4:30 pmA solar power plant operated by Norway-based renewable energy company Statkraft in Spain is contributing to biodiversity through an initiative aimed at protecting bee populations alongside electricity generation.
The Talayuela II Solar Power Plant, located in Spain’s Extremadura region, has been operational since 2023 with a generation capacity of 55 megawatts.
The facility produces enough electricity to meet the needs of more than 34,000 households while preventing around 20,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
Alongside clean energy production, the project incorporates an “apivoltaic” model that combines solar energy generation with beekeeping to support environmental sustainability. More than 200 queen bee hives have been installed at the site as part of the initiative.
– Pesticide-free environment offers safe habitat for bees
Speaking to Anadolu, Statkraft Engagement and Social Value Lead Erica Morales said the initiative aims to help restore bee populations in Spain, which have been affected by prolonged drought and environmental pressures in recent years.
Morales highlighted the importance of bees for ecosystems and agriculture, noting that pollination is essential for biodiversity, with around 90% of flowering plants and 75% of food crops depending on it.
She said Talayuela II was selected for the initiative because of its pesticide-free environment.
“Solar plants offer ideal, pesticide-free environments for bees, making them safe habitats for breeding and reproduction,” Morales said.
She added that the facility is integrated into the ecologically significant ecosystem of Extremadura.
“Its location and environmental conditions made Talayuela II the right place to combine solar power and beekeeping in a scalable and meaningful way,” she said.
Morales noted that the queen bee hives provide a secure refuge within the facility, supporting bee reproduction and survival. Stronger bee populations are also expected to improve pollination in nearby agricultural areas and contribute to higher crop yields.
– Facility acts as ‘breeding hospital’ for beekeeping sector
Morales said the project also supports local beekeepers by supplying productive queen bee nuclei to producers who have experienced colony losses, effectively turning the facility into a “breeding hospital” for the sector.
She added that the presence of the hives has not negatively affected plant operations and that the system was designed to remain fully compatible with solar energy generation.
According to Morales, the data and experience obtained from the Talayuela II project are expected to contribute to the development of similar initiatives at other Statkraft solar facilities in Spain and abroad.
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