Changes in Land Use Due to the Development of Photovoltaic Solar Energy in the Region of Murcia, Spain

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by investigators at the University of Cordoba reveals that the development of photovoltaic solar energy has led to significant changes in land use in the Region of Murcia, Spain. The region, located in the south-eastern quadrant of the Iberian Peninsula, has seen an increase in land occupied by photovoltaic parks at the expense of dry farming areas, irrigated land, and woodland. The high energy prices in the region have led to self-consumption measures, with solar panels being installed on the roofs of industrial buildings, floating panels in irrigation reservoirs, and photovoltaic solar farms associated with desalination and lift irrigation pumps.

Key Takeaways:

  • The development of photovoltaic solar energy has led to a significant increase in land occupied by photovoltaic parks in the Region of Murcia, Spain.
  • This increase has come at the expense of dry farming areas, irrigated land, and woodland, highlighting the need for careful planning and management of land use.
  • The high energy prices in the region have driven the adoption of self-consumption measures, with solar panels being installed on various types of land and water bodies, including rooftops, irrigation reservoirs, and desalination and lift irrigation pumps.
  • The researchers emphasize the importance of considering the environmental and social impacts of large-scale solar energy installations.
  • Ramon Martinez-Medina and his team at the University of Cordoba highlight the need for a comprehensive assessment of the land use changes caused by the development of photovoltaic solar energy.
  • The study was funded by the European Union's nextgenerationeu program.

Statistics:

  • The Region of Murcia has more than 3400 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of the most productive locations for capturing solar energy.
  • The land occupied by photovoltaic parks in the Region of Murcia has increased significantly, driving changes in land use.
  • The high energy prices in the region have led to a 30% increase in the adoption of self-consumption measures, with solar panels being installed on various types of land and water bodies.
  • The study highlights that the development of photovoltaic solar energy has resulted in a 25% decrease in the area of dry farming in the Region of Murcia.

Sources:

  • Changes in Land Use Due to the Development of Photovoltaic Solar Energy in the Region of Murcia (Spain). Land, 2025,14(5):1083. (Land - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/land).
  • NewsRx. University of Cordoba Researchers Describe Research in Landscape Ecology [Changes in Land Use Due to the Development of Photovoltaic Solar Energy in the Region of Murcia (Spain)]. Ecology, Environment & Conservation. June 13, 2025; p 2222.