Bilbao Port Awards €11.48 Million Contract For Solar Power Integration Into OPS System

In a significant move towards decarbonizing port operations and promoting sustainable shipping, the Bilbao Port Authority has awarded a contract worth €11.48 million for the development of solar photovoltaic (PV) plants to power its Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system.

This initiative is part of the broader BilbOPS project, which aims to provide clean electricity to vessels at berth, thereby reducing emissions and noise pollution.

Solar Power to Strengthen OPS Infrastructure

The awarded contract includes both the engineering and installation of four new solar PV plants and their subsequent maintenance for two years. These plants will be strategically located within the port service areas:

• Zierbena Dock: 809.6 kWp

• Santurtzi Breakwater: 494.36 kWp

• A-6 Ferry Terminal Pre-Boarding Area: 2,424.4 kWp

• Olatua Cruise Terminal Car Park (Getxo): 527.12 kWp

The contract was awarded to a consortium of four companies: Viuda de Sainz, Radimer Servicios Energéticos, Achiles Ingeniería Fotovoltaica, and Solar 360 (a joint venture of Repsol and Movistar). The project is expected to be completed within 18 months.

BilbOPS Project: A Vision for a Greener Port

The BilbOPS project represents a pioneering effort in Spain, combining renewable energy production with smart power distribution. It includes:

• Installation of 11 OPS connection points with a total capacity of 30 MW.

• First Phase: To be completed by early 2026, backed by a €4.7 million investment and €3.9 million in EU recovery funds.

• Second Phase (2025–2027): With a budget of €50.1 million, funded by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), Port Authority contributions, and an €80 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

From 2027 onwards, all power supplied to berthed vessels will come from 100% renewable sources, marking a crucial step in the port’s environmental transformation.

The integration of solar PV plants into Bilbao Port’s OPS system is a forward-thinking move that exemplifies how ports can transition to clean energy while maintaining efficiency and competitiveness. The BilbOPS project not only enhances Spain’s maritime sustainability goals but also sets a benchmark for other ports across Europe aiming to reduce their environmental footprint.