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Norwegian energy company Statkraft has submitted requests for the Administrative Construction Authorization (AAC) and the Declaration of Public Utility (DUP) for the evacuation lines of its Arada Solar plant, a 139.74 MW project located in the municipalities of Chilches, Moncofa, and Vall d’Uixó in Castellón province. According to the announcement published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on June 1, the Arada Solar plant will have an installed capacity of 139.74 MW and a peak power of 160.67 MWp. The project will feature 236,280 modules, each with a capacity of 680 Wp, and include 40 transformation centers—15 rated at 6.5 MVA and 25 at 3.25 MVA—along with a total of 466 inverters of 330 kW each. The plant’s transformation centers will be connected to the Arada Solar 30/220 kV substation via 30 kV power lines. The 220 kV evacuation line, for which the AAC and DUP have been requested, will span 18.292 kilometers with 61 supports in a simple duplex circuit. This line will traverse the municipal areas of Vall d’Uixó, Nules, Burriana, Alquerías del Niño Perdido, Vila-real, and Betxi. Statkraft’s Arada Solar plant secured access permits to the transportation network in 2021. The company has opened a citizen service office in La Vall d’Uixó to provide project information to interested parties. The solar panels will occupy only 27.5% of the total 280 hectares designated for the project. Additionally, Statkraft plans to acquire or lease plots to promote traditional crops on at least 25% of the project’s surface area. Regarding the evacuation line, Statkraft has ensured that it will only occupy the necessary corridor for the 220 kV line installation, preserving land ownership and agricultural activities for current owners. The company will also implement measures to conserve and enhance local flora and fauna, including annual monitoring of birds and bats, installation of bird-saving elements on the overhead line, and arranging nest boxes to boost biodiversity. Green Hydrogen for the Ceramic Cluster A notable aspect of the project is its proximity to the large ceramic cluster in Castellón province. The Arada Solar plant will support the production and supply of green hydrogen, aiding the decarbonization of the tile sector. Statkraft has entered into a collaboration agreement with the Gimeno Group, aiming to produce 5,400 tons of green hydrogen annually at this facility. This initiative will contribute to the security of supply and protection against energy market volatility. |
