Ilmatar plans to build a 550MW solar power park in Sweden
Ilmatar Solar, a subsidiary of the Finnish energy company Ilmatar, has announced plans to build a solar park of 550 MW in Sweden.
The solar power facility is to be developed in Motala municipality, Östergötland, and is reportedly one of Europe’s largest solar power parks.
When completed, it will generate enough energy to power 32,000 homes in the region.
Ilmatar Solar signed an agreement for the facility’s development with the consulting company Vinnergi.
The two co-owners have also signed a land lease agreement with the landowner.
Ilmatar Solar CEO Christian Gustafsson said: “Together with Vinnergi, we will become a stronger player in the electricity market.
“Sustainable development is the common denominator throughout the entire process – from agreement to planning and to the construction of the solar parks.
“As a sustainable, long-term partner, Vinnergi is perfect for us.”
Vinnergi aims to help renewable project developers accelerate their growth and meet the increasing demand for solar energy in Sweden and throughout the EU.
The company is also involved in finding locations for renewable energy projects, obtaining permits for them and connecting them to the electricity grid, as well as building internal networks and grid stations.
Vinnergi’s business developer Martin Ansell-Schultz says: “We have already received a positive first estimate from Svenska kraftnät, Sweden’s system operator for transmission systems (TSO), and the permit process and power grid issues are in full swing.
“Ilmatar is an interesting partner who will eventually be responsible for the park’s entire life cycle — from construction to electricity sales for many years to come.
“They already have experience in the wind power sector and therefore can invest in large-scale production of electricity directly.”
In July this year, Ilmatar started the construction of four wind farms in Finland after receiving 135 million euros ($136.7 million) in financing from AIP Management.