ENDESA to install 100 MW of photovoltaic solar energy in Spain
A collaboration agreement has been signed between ENDESA and ISOFOTÓN a Spanish Manufacturer of Solar Panels. The agreement additionally contemplates the participation of both companies with the regional government of Andalusia in a polysilicone plant, the seventh in the world, which will guarantee the supply of this raw material for the manufacture of photovoltaic modules. ENDESA will supply the power required to operate the plant. The agreement also provides for collaboration on several projects designed to demonstrate concentrating photovoltaic technology (CPV), which will subsequently facilitate the manufacture of more efficient solar modules.
The collaboration will ensure ENDESA has access to the equipment required to develop the solar powered facilities that the Company plans to install between now and 2011.The agreement also provides collaboration on several projects designed to demonstrate concentrating photovoltaic technology (CPV), that will facilitate subsequent commercialisation.
The concentrating systems represent a new area of development and offers an alternative to current silicone based technology, the material used in solar cells. The semiconductor material used is gallium arsenide collects and thus focuses sunlight via a series of lenses, creating more energy over a smaller surface area.
In addition, ENDESA, ISOFOTÓN and the regional Andalusian government plan to collaborate to develop and construct a polysilicone plant in Los Barrios (Cádiz), in response to increased demand for this raw material, key to the production of PV modules which will guarantee both companies' supply needs. Development on project Silicio Energía, will commence in the coming months and the facility will be operational in 2009. Estimated investment in the project totals Euro 250 million, enough to give polysilicone capacity of 2,500 tonnes/year, equivalent to 250 MW of PV modules per year. ENDESA will supply the power required to operate the plant.
The agreement between both companies will act as a boost to photovoltaic solar energy in Spain and will enhance environmental awareness as it will increase the production of renewable energy, in addition to contributing to meeting Kyoto Treaty commitments.
