Scatec Solar signs contract to build 6 MW solar PV plant in a former mine in Emiglia, Italy

Oslo - Milan, February 14th 2011. Scatec Solar, the global solar energy provider, has signed a contract with the vehicle company owned by the Spanish Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), and Italian Italgen, a subsidiary of the Italcementi Group, to construct a photovoltaic plant of more than 6 MW in a former quarry close to the town of Guiglia (Modena) in Italy. The plant, to be grid connected by autumn 2011, will produce in excess of 7.5 million kWh annually, enough to cover the electricity needs of more than 2000 families.

- We are very pleased to have reached an agreement to build this PV plant on behalf of Fotowatio and Italgen, and we look forward to further cooperation in the future, Raymond Carlsen, CEO of Scatec Solar said.  - This project will be a premium showcase of the flexibility and adaptability of solar PV solutions. The ability to utilize a former quarry normally considered useless for the production of renewable energy increases the value and attractiveness of solar energy. We have significant experience in designing and providing tailor-made solutions for utilizing reclaimed land and other challenging surfaces for solar energy production and this provides us with a competitive edge as the demand for such solutions increase, he said.

This old mine will soon be hosting a 6 MW solar PV plant

The former mine, owned by Italcementi, provides an area of more than 20 hectares that will now be transformed into a site for production of electrical energy.  Scatec Solar will design, build, commission and operate the plant using more than 26.000 modules providing a total effect of 6.16 MWp.  Compared to traditional power production, this PV plant will represent CO2 savings of approx. 4.55 million kg per year.