With the final nod for the development and construction of a 72-MW photovoltaic solar energy plant received by SunEdison, the company is all set to construct Europe’s largest solar power facility in Northeastern Italy, close to Rovigo town.
The generation of power will start in 2010 second half and by the end of the year, the project is expected to achieve final completion. The system will produce enough power to meet the electricity needs of 17,150 homes during its first full operational year and prevent 41,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equal to eliminating 8,000 cars from the road.
The project will be jointly developed by SunEdison and Banco Santander, the financing partner. More financial partners are expected to become part of the project. President of SunEdison, Carlos Domenech, commented that the company is committed to the growth of solar market across the world through its capabilities in engineering, project finance, low-cost procurement, and maintenance and operational services.
Government official of the Veneto region, Renzo Marangon, said the region is determined to move forward to utilize the renewable energy sources. The solar project is expected to create more than 350 local jobs during the construction stage. The project is expected to be showcased as a European model for large-scale, renewable energy projects.
General Manager for Europe and MENA region at SunEdison, Pancho Perez, said it is vital to select the right partners to work with for large-scale projects including suppliers, contractors and developers. For this project, the company has selected Isolux Corsán, an infrastructure construction company with proven record in large-scale solar plants.
President of Isolux Corsán, Luis Delso, said the company is happy to be selected to construct Europe’s largest photovoltaic solar plant by SunEdison and hopes to extend the collaboration beyond Italy.