Yecla reduces CO2 emissions with more solar panels than ever before
New photovoltaic panels are being installed on municipally owned buildings, including schools, the police station and sports centres
The Town Council of Yecla has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving maximum energy efficiency, highlighting its total replacement of all public lighting with LED technology, which had a total investment of 1 million euros and reduced energy consumption by 78%.
Similarly, in order to contribute to the zero emission of greenhouse gases and energy savings in municipal buildings, the council has been installing solar panels for heating water in several public buildings, including two of the municipal nursery schools, two other schools, the town’s three sports centres, the Local Police station, the University and the canine doggy centre.
The Yecla Councillor for Town Planning and the Environment, Pedro Lorenzo, said, “The work and projects to improve the quality of life of the people of Yecla, care for the environment and optimisation of municipal resources continues thanks to the installation of self-sufficient resources in more municipal buildings.”
He has also announced that the Municipal Indoor Swimming Pool and the School of Music building will both have new solar installations, of 25 kilowatts and 10 kilowatts respectively. Between them, this will mean energy savings of 20% and a reduction in CO2 emissions of fourteen tonnes.
These innovative installations will be possible thanks to the agreement signed between Yecla Town Council and an electricity company promoting a solar project as compensation for the construction of a photovoltaic park located between the municipalities of Yecla and Jumilla.
“Not only do we consider that the municipal coffers should benefit, but also those associations of Public Interest, such as the Association of Friends of Music, which has the use of the premises of the Antiguo Casino Primitivo,” continued Councillor Lorenzo, adding that this agreement amounts to 205,000 euros per year for projects like this.
There will soon be more solar panels the extraction of water from the Pozo de La Fuente well, as well as on the roof of the town’s Central Market, which will generate a total of 50 kilowatts.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Yecla Today
Image: Ayuntamiento de Yecla
Address
Plaza Mayor, Casa de los Arcos, s/n 30510 YECLATel: 968 754 104
Oficina de Turismo de Yecla
Yecla is a large municipality in the north of the Region of Murcia, home to just under 35,000 people, and these days is best known for its wines, which enjoy Denomination of Origin status, and its furniture production, which has its origins in the abundance of pine trees on the mountainsides and the high plateaux.
While visitors in the 21st century may be attracted primarily by wine tourism, the town (or city, as it was proclaimed in 1878) also has a wide historical, cultural and natural heritage, and an identity quite different from the coastal areas of the Region of Murcia. For this reason it is often grouped together with its neighbour and fellow wine-producing area Jumilla as part of the Altiplano area.
Yecla borders with Castilla-La Mancha and the Region of Valencia and is closer to Alicante coastal areas than much of Murcia. These visitors come to see the historic old town itself - an atmospheric and interesting place, crammed full of history - the natural beauty of Monte Arabí, with stunning views for those who enjoy the outdoors, the gastonomy and of course the wine route.
Yecla boasts cave paintings from 10,000 years ago in Monte Arabí, a Bronze Age settlement at El Arabilejo, Iberian remains in El Pulpillo and a Roman administrative centre at Los Torrejones as well as the remnants of the 11th century Moorish castle on the hill behind the town. More modern (and complete) testimony to the past are the buildings in the town centre, which include the grandiose Basílica de la Purísima, with its striking blue dome, the archaeological museum and the attractive Plaza Mayor, where the 16th century Town Hall stands alongside the Renaissance Casa de los Alarcos, the clock tower and the old grain store.
The tourist office holds a full selection of leaflets, maps, pre-planned routes, accommodation and restaurant options and information about visiting Yecla for both individuals and groups.
There is parking close to the tourist office, although those driving to Yecla for the first time are advised to park in Calle Perales.
For further information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8.00 to 15.00
Saturdays 10.30 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.30.
Public holidays 10.30 to 14.00
Click for map, Yecla tourist office
