The two PV parks will have a total capacity of 57 MW with a mid double-digit million Euro total investment volume. Start of construction and commissioning was in 2019.
Hans Bünting, Chief Operating Officer Renewables of Innogy, explains: “After last month’s announcement that we build our Spanish solar project Alarcos without state subsidies, we are continuing on this path with our two new Canadian projects. This underlines that solar energy is already competitive in several markets. Decreasing prices for equipment will further drive this development.”
Develop projects with 1 GW
Thorsten Blanke, Head of Solar at Innogy, adds: “Our first two projects in Canada are a perfect fit with our strategy to deliver utility-scale solar projects in promising markets, like North America, with high irradiance and a strong commitment to renewable energy. And this is only the beginning. In 2017 we joined forces with Solar Krafte and they are the perfect partner to build up a substantial solar portfolio in Canada. Together, we aim to develop solar projects with a total capacity of up to 1,000 MW.”
The planned investment volume is in the mid double-digit million euro range. The projects were developed by the Canadian company Solar Krafte Utilities Inc. (Solar Krafte), and the project rights had been transferred to innogy in February 2019. The contracting parties have agreed to keep the conditions of the transaction confidential. innogy will review all options regarding the future ownership and financing structure of the projects in order to maximise value for the company and its shareholders.
Located in Southern Alberta
The large-scale solar farms Hull (Prairie Sunlight II, 30 MW) and Vauxhall (Prairie Sunlight III, 27 MW) will be located in Southern Alberta, near to the town of Vauxhall. According to current plans, construction for both projects can begin in Q2 2019. It is anticipated that commercial operations will begin by the end of 2019. After full commissioning, the solar plants will produce enough green energy to supply the equivalent of around 12,500 Alberta homes.
Innogy’s subsidiary Belectric is responsible for all construction and will also take on operation and maintenance of the solar farms as a service provider. Belectric is an experienced company in the global solar market with nearly two gigawatts of completed projects globally. On top of that, Belectric is among the world’s leading operation and maintenance service providers in the sector. (HCN)
Here, in case you missed them, are Part 1 and Part 2 of this week's series. Tomorrow we have a treat for all of you who are fans of the beautiful game...
