Norwegian Statkraft to Build First Solar Park in Italy

Photo: www.windenergyplanning.com

Statkraft is constructing its first solar park. The power plant is being constructed in the Latina region, 60 kilometres to the south of Rome, and will be completed in 2009.

The solar power plant will have an installed capacity of 3.3 MW, and generate 4.5 million kilowatt hours annually. The 15,700 solar panels at the plant will cover an area just under 96 000 square meters. The investment will cost about EUR 13 million, or NOK 120 million.

”The construction of our first solar park is an important milestone in our work to meet the world’s need for pure energy. Solar power is a new energy source for us, and we expect it to grow in the years ahead due to technological developments, cost reductions and favourable framework conditions,” says Executive Vice President Jon Brandsar of Statkraft.

The construction work will commence before the summer, and when the facility is completed towards the end of the year, it will generate enough energy to supply 1,200 Italian households.

Since 2007, Statkraft has cooperated with Norsk Solkraft to develop the Italian projects Casale and Borgo through joint ventures. Norsk Solkraft decided to divest in May, and Statkraft now fully owns both projects.

”Italy is presently one of the most attractive solar energy markets in Europe. We are also looking at options in Spain and Southeast Europe in order to reach our goal of 75 MW solar power by 2012,” says Olav Hetland, Senior Vice President of Business Unit Solar Power in Statkraft.

Statkraft is Europe’s largest renewable energy company. The Group develops and generates hydropower, wind power, gas power and district heating, and is a major player on the European power exchanges. Statkraft also develops marine energy, osmotic power solar power, and other innovative energy solutions. In 2008 Statkraft posted gross operating revenues of EUR 3.1 billion. The group employs 3,000 staff in more than 20 countries.

Source: Statkraft.com