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 Solenergi to develop the Italian projects Casale and Borgo through joint ventures. Norsk Solenergi decided to divest in May, and Statkraft now fully owns both projects.
”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 Jon Brandsar, executive vice president of Statkraft.
”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.
