Project Focus: Statkraft opens first solar park in Italy - partners with Siemens for further plants

Norwegian power generator Statkraft has reached an agreement with Siemens Energy to build up to 40MW of new solar capacity in 2010. The company opened its first solar power plant in Aprilia, Italy, which will go towards this goal, on March 11. The 3.3MW Casale solar park is expected to reach the annual power production mark of 4.5GWh.

"Developing solar power is part of our strategy to maintain Statkraft's role as Europe's largest renewable energy company", said Bård Mikkelsen, president and CEO of Statkraft.

Statkraft has also chosen Siemens Energy as an exclusive Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) contractor in Italy. As EPC contractor, Siemens will handle engineering, project management and turnkey construction of the PV plants. Siemens will also be responsible for operation and maintenance for the first five years.

"Siemens Energy is a highly competent partner, securing our ability to build several solar parks in parallel and reach the target of commissioning new solar parks before the end of 2010. The time schedule is of great importance, due to the uncertainty regarding future support schemes for solar power," says Olav Hetland, senior vice president solar power in Statkraft.

"After successful execution of the Casale project for Statkraft, we are continuing our cooperation with the implementation of further solar energy projects in Italy," said René Umlauft, CEO of the Renewable Energy Division of Siemens Energy.

Statkraft's goal is to develop 75MW of solar power generating capacity by 2012. The geographical focus is Italy, Spain and France, based on high solar radiation and established support schemes.