Jun 29 2009
Siemens Energy has received an order from Italy for turnkey construction of a large ground-based photovoltaic plant. Purchaser is the Norwegian utility Statkraft. The plant with a peak output of 3.3 megawatts will be built in Casale in the vicinity of Rome and supply over 1200 Italian households with eco-friendly electricity. As general contractor Siemens will handle project management including engineering and construction of the solar power plant.
Large ground-based photovoltaic plant
"The first photovoltaic order from the utility Statkraft proves that we are also on the right track with the expansion of our solar business," said René Umlauft, CEO of the Renewable Energy Division at Siemens Energy. "Here, Siemens is focusing on the development and implementation of large-capacity solar plants for industrial and energy customers. In the coming months we are anticipating further orders for projects in the Mediterranean region. "
In addition to 15,700 crystalline solar modules, the Siemens scope of supply for the solar plant also encompasses Siemens Sinvert solar inverters, transformers, cabling, the grid connection and the entire civil works. Commissioning of the solar plant is scheduled for December 2009.
"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 favorable framework conditions," said Executive Vice President Jon Brandsar of Statkraft.
Photovoltaic plants are a feature of Siemens environmental portfolio, with which the company posted revenue totaling EUR19 billion in fiscal 2008. That is equivalent to approximately a quarter of Siemens-total annual revenue.