Project Focus: Acciona and Dhamma Energy establish utility-scale solar projects in France

June 3, 2010 - Mark Osborne - PV-tech.org

Global renewables operator Acciona Energy and the Franco-Spanish group Dhamma Energy will collaborate on a range of utility-scale solar projects in France, with a plan of installing 250MW. Although timelines were not given, the initial collaboration will see a 12MW plant built in Ardèche, Rhône-Alpes, and will be the largest solar power plant yet built in France.

Under the agreements, Acciona will provide all the aspects related to technology, engineering and design, and it will also carry out the construction, operation and maintenance on behalf of Dhamma Energy.

Miguel Arrarás, drector of photovoltaic business development of Acciona Energy, said that the strategic alliance with Dhamma Energy "allows us to enter the French photovoltaic sector by working with a very experienced partner that has in-depth knowledge of the market at a time when considerable growth prospects are forecast for France thanks to the regulatory framework."

Dhamma Energy said that it has a project portfolio for 230MW of rated power, in addition to a further 20MW in car park shelters and roofs, bringing the total investment close to €1.0 billion.