El Parc Astronòmic del Montsec achieves total decarbonisation with the commissioning of the aerothermal system

• • The new installation replaces the old diesel boiler and allows the complete elimination of the consumption of fossil fuels for the operation of the equipment, as well as a saving in direct emissions of up to 17tnCO₂eq/year

  • The PAM has also installed the first photovoltaic plant of the FGC Turisme tourist operations, which will cover 22% of the Park’s electricity consumption

The Parc Astronòmic del Montsec (PAM) has put into service this week the new aerothermic installation for the production of hot water for heating. With this action, the most important astronomy center in Catalonia achieves the total decarbonisation of its activity. This action is another step in the sustainability strategy of Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC), including those of the 2030 Climate Action Plan.

Precisely today, in the press conference following the meeting of the Executive Council, the Minister of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition and spokesperson for the Government, Sílvia Paneque i Sureda, highlighted the leadership that the Government has had “in the decarbonisation of our model of living and producing in Catalonia”. “If we ask for these efforts from society and companies, it is only fair that the Generalitat be the benchmark“, he added.

The new aerothermia installation replaces the old diesel boiler and allows the complete elimination of the consumption of fossil fuels for the operation of the equipment, as well as a saving in direct emissions of up to 17tnCO₂eq/year. The new installation is powered by electricity, and this, thanks to the responsible purchase of energy that is underway at FGC, has a guarantee of 100% solar origin.

Together with the renewal of the heating system, the PAM has also installed the first photovoltaic plant of the FGC Turisme farms, with an installed power of 15kWp, which will operate in a self-consumption regime and will cover 22% of the electricity consumption of the Parc Astronòmic del Montsec. This electrical production facility will generate around 26,000 kWh/year, which corresponds to a utilization of 97% of the energy produced by the photovoltaic plant. The investment in the aerothermic equipment and the photovoltaic plant was 91,000 euros.

The decarbonisation of the Parc Astronòmic del Montsec is one of the milestones announced by the president of Ferrocarrils, Carles Ruiz Novella, during the meeting of the PAM Advisory Commission, held this Monday evening in Àger. Ruiz highlighted “the role of Ferrocarrils in the Pyrenees because we are an important part of the economic activity and we have a responsibility with territorial balance and sustainability. The decarbonisation of the Astronomical is part of this FGC commitment“.

The Advisory Committee was also informed of the good numbers achieved in the last edition of the Astronomy Festival, held from October 31 to November 3 this year. 1,039 people visited the festival, an event that managed to captivate visitors with an intergenerational program and a wide range of day and night activities.

This edition has been characterized by its transversality, incorporating new disciplines such as circus and magic, in addition to artistic actions such as “New Worlds”. This commitment to interdisciplinarity has enriched the festival and demonstrated that astronomy can connect with other forms of artistic expression, creating a unique experience for visitors.

Activities until January 6

The Parc Astronòmic del Montsec keeps its doors open until January 6, with activities such as the 14th Cycle of Music under the Stars, an original and unique event that fuses astronomy and music in one of the darkest skies in Catalonia, in the municipality of Ager The last concert of the cycle will take place on Saturday, November 23. This is the show “Entre estels i cometes” by INUITS, an independent pop-rock music group. There will be two sessions, at 19:00 and at 20:00. INUITS is a musical formation formed in 2017 in Sidamon (Lleida), with 2 published albums.