02.07.09 - 14:42 -
Granada. The Andasol I solar thermal power station was opened this week. / EFE
The first of three plants that will make up the biggest solar thermal power station in Europe and the second biggest in the world was opened on Wednesday in Aldeire (Granada).
The plant will supply electricity to some 15,000 households and has a thermal storage system that allows it to continue operating at full capacity for up to seven hours after sunset. Andasol I has 510,120 square metres of solar panels (the equivalent of 70 football pitches).
The project has been developed by the German firm Solar Millenium, ACS Industrial, Cobra and Sener with the help of a five million euro grant from the European Commission. The plant has required a total investment of 300 million euros. The second plant of the Andasol project is currently at the test stage while the third is under construction.
The plant will supply electricity to some 15,000 households and has a thermal storage system that allows it to continue operating at full capacity for up to seven hours after sunset. Andasol I has 510,120 square metres of solar panels (the equivalent of 70 football pitches).
The project has been developed by the German firm Solar Millenium, ACS Industrial, Cobra and Sener with the help of a five million euro grant from the European Commission. The plant has required a total investment of 300 million euros. The second plant of the Andasol project is currently at the test stage while the third is under construction.
