The City Council of Barcelona has announced a significant investment of around 22 million euros until 2028 to renovate and enhance the public lighting infrastructure of the city. This initiative is part of the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (PMI), which is a key component of the broader Plan Arregla. A total of 153 strategic actions will be carried out to not only improve but also transform the lighting infrastructure of the city. The main goals of this comprehensive project include implementing a complete remote management system for lighting and increasing the share of LED technology from the current 35% to 50%.
Barcelona currently has 157,000 lighting points, out of which 35% already utilize LED technology. The total installed power is 16,300 kW, with an annual consumption of 67 GWh, representing 20% of the city’s total energy consumption. These lighting points are controlled through 2,582 control panels distributed throughout the city, which will be a key focus of the modernization project aiming to have all of them remotely managed by 2028.
One of the key pillars of the PMI is the increase in the adoption of LED technology, with the goal of raising its presence from the current 35% to 50% by the end of the project. This transition to LED technology is crucial for improving the city’s energy efficiency by significantly reducing installed power and achieving substantial energy savings by 2028. Moreover, this change not only enhances energy efficiency but also improves the quality of lighting, providing a more uniform and pleasant light that enhances the perception of safety and visual comfort on the streets.
Several actions are already underway as part of the planned renovations. For instance, the comprehensive renovation of the lighting installations on Calle de las Camèlies is currently ongoing, involving the replacement of 52 lampposts and 800 meters of wiring. Additionally, recent renovation works have been completed in the Fort Pienc neighborhood, specifically on the streets of Nàpols and Sicília, as well as on Consell de Cent and Diputació streets.
While the transition to LED technology is a fundamental aspect of the project, the implementation of remote management for the 2,582 control panels stands out as the central objective to be achieved by 2028. This approach will enable Barcelona to have a centralized control system that facilitates effective monitoring and management of significant incidents, ensuring the continuous operation of public lighting. This advanced system not only detects faults and allows for the reprogramming of schedules according to specific zone needs but also dynamically controls brightness and simulates energy consumption for the installations.
The comprehensive renewal and improvement process runs parallel to corrective maintenance activities, which include fault detection and repair, as well as regular preventive maintenance encompassing cleaning and scheduled lamp replacements. Additionally, regulatory maintenance ensures thorough verification of all installations.
All improvement and renovation projects are collaboratively developed with each district to identify areas requiring enhancements. Projects are guided by criteria aimed at improving lighting perception, focusing on better distribution and direction of light rather than simply increasing brightness. Measures such as lowering the height of lighting points on sidewalks (below 5 meters) and always below tree canopies, as well as implementing different color temperatures on sidewalks and roads, aim to provide warmth to pedestrians and differentiate spaces for people and vehicles.
Furthermore, safety and gender perspective criteria will be incorporated to eliminate dark spots and ensure uniform lighting that not only deters criminal activities but also fosters a safer urban environment for all citizens.
In conclusion, the City Council of Barcelona’s ambitious plan to modernize and enhance the public lighting infrastructure of the city through the PMI and Plan Arregla demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency, technological advancement, and citizen safety. The implementation of LED technology and remote management systems will not only lead to significant energy savings but also improve the quality of lighting and enhance the overall urban experience for residents and visitors alike. This forward-thinking approach aligns with the city’s goals of sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, setting a benchmark for smart city initiatives worldwide.
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