The SIRUSA energy recovery plant, located in the Riu Clar industrial estate in Tarragona, faces high electricity demand to guarantee the continuous operation of the urban waste incineration plant, with peak consumption reaching up to 7.4 MW. With the aim of reducing dependence on the grid and strengthening operational sustainability, SIRUSA has launched a self-generation project using renewable sources. This initiative represents a strategic step in its environmental commitment and positions the plant as a benchmark in the integration of hybrid renewable energy systems in industrial environments.
The executive project was drafted, and site management carried out, for the combined installation of a photovoltaic plant and a small wind turbine on the roof of the main facility. The photovoltaic system includes 1,244 panels of 380 Wp, distributed between the two roof slopes (656 modules on one side and 588 on the other), connected to four 100 kW inverters. The total installed capacity is 472.72 kWp.
As for wind energy, a 5 kW horizontal-axis wind turbine with three blades was installed, connected to a 5 kW inverter and mounted on an 18-metre tower. Its location was determined based on a wind rose study of prevailing wind direction and frequency, situating it in the area with the highest intensity and orienting it against the prevailing flow to maximise energy capture.
Both installations are connected to a new technical room located beneath the roof, housing the inverters, control and protection systems (SCADA), and a climate control unit to maintain stable thermal conditions. The connection to the SCADA system enables real-time monitoring and management, facilitates predictive maintenance, and optimises the overall performance of the installation.
To summarise, from both operational and environmental perspectives, the project reduces electricity consumption from the grid, improves system efficiency, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthens the energy self-sufficiency of the industrial complex.
