Norwegian power producer Statkraft A/S is advancing plans for its 140-MW Arada Solar project situated in Castellon province, eastern Spain, aimed at bolstering green hydrogen production for local tile and ceramics manufacturers.
In a statement issued on Monday, Statkraft's Spanish unit clarified that the company is pursuing a construction license and public utility status specifically for the project's power lines and substation, not the plant itself. This move, it explained, is a customary procedure for projects of this nature, considering challenges in communication with affected landowners.
The power lines infrastructure, integral to the project's operation, will traverse various plots of land across six municipalities. Statkraft assures it will minimize disruption, utilizing only the necessary corridor and airspace for the 220-kV voltage line to preserve land ownership and agricultural activities. The company expressed its intent to negotiate agreements with all landowners involved.
Having already secured the environmental permit and consent, Statkraft is moving forward with the Arada Solar initiative, representing an investment close to EUR 100 million (USD 108.7m). Strategically located near Castellon's ceramics cluster, the plant forms a vital component of the region's green hydrogen production strategy, aimed at reducing carbon emissions from the tile and ceramics manufacturing sector.
