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Vall de Núria will be supplied from this September only with geothermal energy. Ferrocarrils de la generalitat de Catalunya (FGC), which manages the Ripollesa mountain resort, has completed the fifth and final phase of the ‘Gasoil Zero’ project, which has consisted of the progressive elimination of diesel for heating and hot water from the complex of buildings in the valley to replace it with this clean energy. In parallel, the energy rehabilitation works of the buildings are also being completed, which will allow a saving of 78% of the final energy consumed. The two actions are part of the Ecovall project, which includes a series of actions through which Ferrocarrils reinforces the adaptation of Vall de Núria to the effects of climate change in terms of mitigation and promotes a model of sustainable and responsible management of mountain territories.

All these new features were announced today as part of the celebration of the feast of Sant Gil, the traditional day that commemorates the stay of this saint in the valley. It is a very important celebration in the calendar of Vall de Núria, as he is the patron saint of shepherds, particularly those of the Eastern Pyrenees due to its location and history. The events celebrating Sant Gil were attended by the president of Ferrocarrils, Carles Ruiz Novella; the bishop of Urgell and Coprince of Andorra, Josep Lluís Serrano; the delegate of the Government in Girona, Xavier Guitart Cano; the president of the Ripollès Regional Council, Amadeu Rosell Martí; the mayors and mayoresses of the area; the general director of FGC, Alicia Valle Cantalejo; the director of FGC Turisme, Toni Sanmartí Rovira, and the manager of Vall de Núria, Toni Casals Picola, among other personalities and representatives of the territory.

The president of Ferrocarrils highlighted the “uniqueness” of Vall de Núria “not only for its spiritual aspect and its access by cogwheel train but also for its landscape and surroundings”. “This means that the values ​​we must have in the valley must correspond to this landscape and that is why we are working on the Ecovall project which means generating zero emissions and working with sustainable energy: we have completed the entire geothermal installation, we are finishing the works to cover the buildings in order to improve their energy efficiency and in terms of sustainable vehicles we have put into service the first 100% electric 4x4 vehicle, the Torgo, which was not on the market and which we had to order expressly for Vall de Núria”, he explained. “Núria is an advanced valley in terms of the concept of not generating emissions and preserving its magnificent landscape”. Carles Ruiz, president of Ferrocarrils.

Bioclimatic building at 2,000 meters high

The ‘Gasoil Zero’ project began in 2011, with the installation of 240 kWt of geothermal energy and has been expanded to reach a total of 840 kWt by 2025, making it one of the most powerful facilities in Catalonia. In addition, the Alberg Pic de l’Àliga also uses geothermal energy and, therefore, Núria is already a net-emissions valley.

The geothermal installation works have included the construction of two fields of geothermal wells, with a total of 126 wells at a depth of 100 meters, and their distribution network to reach the buildings of the complex: Sant Justí, Sant Gil, Sant Antoni and Sant Josep. The rooms for the distribution of sanitary hot water have also been built and the internal heat distribution networks of the buildings have been renovated. Finally, the control system has been completely renovated, allowing for centralized, computerized, and more efficient energy management. The entire project has involved an investment of 3,250,200 euros.

The elimination of diesel and its replacement with geothermal energy saves more than 200,000 liters of diesel each year and prevents the emission of 550 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year, the equivalent of leaving 392 vehicles idle all year round.

The geothermal system is also connected to a mini-hydroelectric power plant that will cover 20% of the electricity demand necessary to operate it. The other 80% of the electricity is obtained from the purchase of energy of 100% certified renewable origin, like all that Ferrocarrils uses for its railway and ski and mountain tourism activities. The aim, however, is to install solar panels to cover the remaining 80%, so that the buildings will be self-sufficient.

Another of the actions of the Ecovall project is to improve the energy efficiency of the buildings in the complex. The works, which are scheduled to be completed this autumn, consist of replacing all the windows in the three buildings and improving the thermal insulation of the facades so that they do not lose heat from the interior during the winter months. With this action, which has had an investment of 1,338,670 euros, the buildings will go from an energy rating of C to an A, with a saving of 78% of the energy for heating.

The ‘Gasoil Zero’ project and the improvement of the energy efficiency of buildings have received a grant of 1,031,619 euros from the Catalan Energy Institute, through the PREE building energy rehabilitation program. The purpose of the PREE and PREE 5000 aid programs, provided with Next Generation European funds, is to promote the energy rehabilitation of existing buildings with actions that reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. These programs promote the improvement of energy efficiency through the renovation of the thermal envelope and the replacement of air conditioning and thermal production installations with more efficient ones.

With the Ecovall project, Vall de Núria wants to improve awareness and establish the foundations for more responsible management in the future, as well as be a benchmark with actions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, this summer the first 100% electric 4x4 vehicle, unique on the market and manufactured exclusively for Ferrocarrils, was also put into service to improve the station's mobility. This vehicle is the beginning of the gradual replacement of the fleet of diesel vehicles.

The festival of Sant Gil

The festival of Sant Gil is a unique opportunity to enjoy the culture and traditions of Ripollès with your family, as well as to taste the local gastronomy and admire the spectacular landscapes of the area. A festival full of joy, devotion and a deep respect for nature and the cultural roots of the Catalan Pyrenees.

As every year, the station has prepared recreational, gastronomic and cultural activities to honor the saint, among which the shepherds' breakfast, the selection of sheep, the sardanas, the commemorative mass, the procession to Sant Gil and the long-awaited demonstration of herding dogs.

Vall de Núria commemorates the Nativity of the Virgin Mary

In addition, Vall de Núria is preparing for another year to celebrate one of the most emblematic days in its calendar: the Nativity of the Virgin Mary of Núria, which will take place on Monday, September 8.

The day will be a genuine reflection of the popularity and sense of tradition surrounding the figure of the Virgin Mary. The day's program will begin with a solemn musical component. The Basilica will host a musical offering and then the sung Mass of the Solemnity of the Virgin Mary of Núria will be celebrated.

After the mass, it will be the turn of one of the most anticipated moments: the procession of the Núries, where generations of women with this name, both young and old, will show their devotion by carrying the image of the Virgin Mary on their shoulders to the historic Hermitage of Sant Gil.

The day will culminate with the symbolic signing of the Núries book, a special activity that consolidates the identity and bond of all the women who bear this name with the valley.