Meet the Team – Nieves Muñoz
MEET THE TEAM – NIEVES MUÑOZ
- What is your role in BNZ?
I am an Asset Manager, part of the Operations team. We work towards the optimization of the assets’ performance, not only during operational phase, but also involved from the early development of the projects.
- How long have you been working in the renewable energy sector?
My first contact with renewables was for a biomethane project in 2018 and in 2019 I begun working with solar PV assets.
- How do you think the sector has changed in these years?
I remember not very long ago; we saw renewables as “the future”. The main difference is that they are now the present. The have gained the importance they deserve in very little time, and proved that they are reliable technologies that will help not only towards decarbonisation, but also towards energy independence, so important in the present times.
- What are the main challenges for the sector in the coming years?
To ensure that the expected growth is carried out in an efficient way from a technical and financial perspective and to improve and ensure long term relationships with local communities.
- And in the long term?
To maximise the penetration of renewables in the energy mix by developing new technologies that can gradually replace conventional back up technologies, while being economically competitive.
Another big challenge that is yet to come is to decarbonise the transport sector.
- What does BNZ have that its competitors don’t?
BNZ boasts high level professionals that are key in the projects’ success. We maintain an open mind towards challenges and always find innovative solutions. Besides, commitment with communities is part of the company’s DNA, so we always seek to generate positive social and environmental impact in the surroundings of our projects.
- How do you see BNZ in 5 years?
I see BNZ as a consolidated PV player in southern Europe, and why not, may be other countries or technologies!
- Which countries are making greater efforts for photovoltaic energy?
According to the last updates of the NECPs (PNIEC) submitted by the EU members, the most ambitious countries regarding solar PV capacity for 2030 are Germany, Italy and Spain.
But if we look at the efforts, we see there are countries that have increased the target in more than 100% in the last update: Portugal (+127%), Sweden (+119%) and Slovenia (+109%).
- What would you ask public administrations to promote this type of clean energy?
A clear and stable regulatory framework is essential to attract new investments in renewables. This includes secure but faster permitting procedures.
- And the citizens?
To embrace the benefits that renewables generate in the environment as part of the energy transition. I think there should be a more collaborative environment where they could express their fears and work together towards common goals. Collaboration is the key!
- What do you do in your day to day to reduce your carbon footprint?
I have reduced significantly the use of my car, I now prefer public transport whenever I can. At home, I always regulate the heating system to make is as efficient as possible.
In Depth
- A hobby: I love spending time surrounded by nature: Trekking activities with my dog, horse riding and camping. I love to travel and look for new adventures.
- A country to travel: Mexico. It has so many historical places to visit, the food is amazing and above all, the people are so welcoming.
- A city to live: Valencia. It has it all: good weather, the beach, so many places to visit, good food and very well communicated.
- An animal: Dog
- A movie or TV series: One of the last series I watched, Designated Survivor
- A book: Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
- A type of cuisine: Mediterranean, although I love Japanese.
- A historical figure: Isabel I of Castilla
- A colour: Blue always
