Extremadura solar complex, Spain

6th December 2013 By: Sheila Barradas - Creamer Media Research Coordinator & Senior Deputy Editor

Extremadura solar complex, Spain

Name and Location
Extremadura solar complex, Ciudad Real, Spain.

Client
Abengoa Solar and Itochu Coporation.

Project Description
The Extremadura solar complex will be the largest in Europe, with a 200 MW capacity. It comprises four 50 MW parabolic trough plants.
Parabolic-shaped mirrors are set on structures that track the movement of the sun, and solar radiation is concentrated on a receiver tube.

Inside the tube flows a heat-absorbing fluid, which reaches an estimated 398.9 °C.

This fluid then transfers the thermal energy to transform water into steam, which drives a turbine to generate electricity.

Two of these plants, Solaben 2 and Solaben 3, have been in commercial operation since 2012.

The parabolic troughs will each eliminate 31 400 t/y of carbon dioxide emissions.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
The last of the parabolic trough plants were commissioned at the end of September.

Latest Developments
Abengoa has begun operation of the Solaben 1 and Solaben 6 power plants at the Extremadura solar complex.

The group has also closed the nonrecourse financing for both plants, totalling €200-million, which will free up the equivalent amount of equity invested in these projects.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Abengoa Solar, tel + 34 95 493 70 00.
Itochu Corporation, tel +81 3 3497 2121 or fax +81 3 3497 4141.