Trina Solar Co., Ltd. (“Trina Solar” or “the company”), a global leader in smart solar energy solutions for a net-zero future, has delivered a volume of 140MW of its Vertex dual-glass bifacial modules to Karavasta Solar in Albania on behalf of Voltalia. The project will be the largest of its kind in the Western Balkans and represents another step in Trina Solar’s growth in the region.
Karavasta Solar was initiated following a call for tenders by the Albanian government for this project in 2022 and won by Voltalia, an international player in renewable energies. Trina Solar has partnered with Voltalia for this project and has been selected to provide its ultra-high performance Vertex dual-glass bifacial modules. They are mounted on single-axis trackers to suit the flat terrain of the plant, offering an installed capacity of 140 MWp.
The project is estimated to be live by end of 2023. It is set to yield 265 GWh per year, covering the annual electricity needs of 220,000 inhabitants and saving approximately 29,165 tons of CO2 per year.
Karavasta Solar is developed, built and operated by Voltalia, is financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (ERBD) and will feature a PPA revenue model. This implies that 50% of the electricity produced will be sold through a 15-year sales contract to the Albanian public operator, while the remainder will be sold through long-term contracts to private operators.
Demonstrating Voltalia’s commitment to caring for the communities in which their projects are based, 1% of the company’s total investment in Karavasta Solar will go towards social initiatives in the area. Additionally, 30% or more of the workforce is sourced from the local community in Albania during both construction and operation. Around 200 people are employed during construction of the project, and during operation, there will be 10-15 direct employees and 20-50 indirect employees working on site.
Constantin von Alvensleben, Country Manager of Voltalia Albania said: “Having launched Karavasta Solar in the summer of 2022, it’s incredible to be working with Trina Solar to bring the project to life. We are dedicated to a cleaner, brighter future for all in a way that also directly benefits the communities where our projects are based, so we look forward to completing the project and seeing the difference it makes to the area.”
Gonzalo de la Viña, President EMEA at Trina Solar, added: “Our involvement in the Karavasta Solar project is another significant milestone for Trina Solar in expanding our footprint in the fast-growing Balkan region. We are thrilled that Voltalia have chosen our modules for the Karavasta Solar site. I have no doubt that together we will make an extraordinary impact on the local community and beyond as we continue our efforts to drive the energy transition forward.
“Not only is this the largest project in the region, but it comes off the back of another major project in Albania, which was our first project to implement our Vanguard 1P single-row tracker. Our leading presence in the region highlights our commitment to delivering innovative solar solutions in Eastern Europe.”
Image: https://bit.ly/3YlTdTZ
Caption: 140MW of Trina Solar Vertex bifacial dual-glass modules are being installed at Voltalia’s project site in Karavasta, Albania.
Source: Voltalia
About Trina Solar
Trina Solar was founded in 1997. As a global leading provider for photovoltaic (PV) module and smart energy solutions, Trina Solar delivers PV products, applications and services to promote global sustainable development. Through constant innovation, Trina Solar continues to push the PV industry forward by creating greater grid parity of PV power and popularizing renewable energy. Trina Solar's mission is to boost global renewable energy development around the world.
To date, Trina Solar has delivered more than 140 GW of solar modules worldwide. In addition, Trina's downstream business includes solar PV project development, financing, design, construction, operations and management, and one-stop system integration solutions for customers. Trina Solar has connected over 9.5GW of solar power plants to the grid worldwide. Trina Solar first launched the Energy IoT brand in 2018, and is now aiming to be a global leader in smart energy. In June 2020, Trina Solar listed on the STAR Market of Shanghai Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit www.trinasolar.com.
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Michael Katz
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About Voltalia
Voltalia is an international player in the renewable energy sector. The Group produces and sells electricity generated from wind, solar, hydraulic, biomass and storage facilities that it owns and operates. Voltalia has generating capacity in operation and under construction of more than 2.7 GW and a portfolio of projects under development representing a total capacity of 14.2 GW.
Voltalia is also a service provider and supports its investor clients in renewable energy projects during all phases, from design to operation and maintenance. As a pioneer in the corporate market, Voltalia provides a global offer to private companies, ranging from the supply of green electricity and energy efficiency services to the local production of their own electricity.
The Group has more than 1,550 employees and is present in 20 countries on 3 continents and is able to act worldwide on behalf of its clients.
Voltalia is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Paris, compartment B (FR0011995588 – VLTSA) and is part of the Enternext Tech 40 and CAC Mid & Small indices. The Group is also included in the Gaia-Index, an index for socially responsible midcaps.