Ecovall

The ‘Gasoil Zero’ project began in 2011 with the installation of 240 kWt of geothermal energy and has been expanded until reaching a total of 840 kWt in 2025, making it one of the most powerful installations in Catalonia. In addition, the Alberg Pic de l’Àliga also uses geothermal energy, meaning that Núria is now an emission-free valley.

The geothermal installation works included the construction of two geothermal borehole fields, with a total of 126 wells drilled 100 meters deep, and their distribution network reaching the buildings in the complex: Sant Justí, Sant Gil, Sant Antoni and Sant Josep. New utility rooms for domestic hot water distribution have also been built, and the internal heat distribution networks of the buildings have been upgraded. Finally, a full renovation of the control system has been carried out, allowing for centralized, computerized and more efficient energy management. The entire project required an investment of 3,250,200 euros.

Eliminating diesel fuel and replacing it with geothermal energy saves more than 200,000 liters of diesel every year and prevents 550 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, equivalent to keeping 392 vehicles off the road for a full year.

The geothermal system is also connected to a small hydroelectric power plant that will cover 20% of the electricity required for its operation. The remaining 80% comes from the purchase of certified 100% renewable energy, just like all the energy Ferrocarrils uses for its railway and mountain and ski tourism operations. The goal, however, is to install solar panels to cover this remaining 80%, making the buildings fully self-sufficient.

Another part of the Ecovall project focuses on improving the energy efficiency of the complex’s buildings. The works, scheduled to finish this autumn, include replacing all windows in the three buildings and improving the thermal insulation of their façades to prevent heat loss during the winter months. With this action, supported by a 1,338,670-euro investment, the buildings will go from energy rating C to A, resulting in a 78% reduction in heating energy consumption.

The ‘Gasoil Zero’ project and the energy efficiency improvements are supported by a 1,031,619-euro grant from the Catalan Institute of Energy through the PREE building energy refurbishment program. The purpose of the PREE and PREE 5000 assistance programs, financed by Next Generation EU funds, is to promote the energy refurbishment of existing buildings through actions that reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. These programs encourage improved energy efficiency by upgrading thermal building envelopes and replacing heating and cooling systems with more efficient alternatives.

With the Ecovall project, Vall de Núria aims to raise awareness and establish the foundation for more responsible management in the future, as well as become a benchmark through actions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Within this framework, this summer the first 100% electric 4×4 vehicle, unique on the market and manufactured exclusively for Ferrocarrils, was put into operation to improve mobility at the station. This vehicle marks the beginning of the progressive replacement of the diesel fleet.