It occupies a plot the size of seventy football pitches and can supply all the energy needs of 12,000 households all year round. The world's largest solar power farm was inaugurated yesterday in Beneixama (Alicante).

When fully operational (40,000 panels are already in use), its 100,000 8Mw solar panels will be capable of generating 30 million kilowatts an hour.

The total cost of the project, which is being promoted by the German City Solar company, is estimated to be around €150 million.

Although currently the world's largest installation of its type anywhere in the world, the company recognises that it will lose this record within just a few months as larger solar power farms are set to open elsewhere, including one in Portugal.

The main benefit of the Beneixama plant is that it will reduce CO2 emissions by 30,000 tonnes each year.

The total turnover of the solar power energy industry rose 50% in 2005 to €586 million.

Spain is second largest European market behind Germany, where there are 5,000 installations employing more than 10,500 people.

Germany is the world's fourth largest solar power generator.