Spain’s leading renewable energy firms have visited California this week to help meet the State’s surging demand for renewable energy.
Spanish companies have committed more than US$5 billion to the US market this year alone, and delegates have met with major utilities, economic development officials, legislators, regulators, private firms and the Governor regarding further investment in renewable energy growth.
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The delegation is hoping to identify new investments, joint ventures and technology transfer opportunities in solar, desalination, water, wind and related renewable energy sectors.
“Spanish firms have developed and constructed some of the largest solar plants in the world over the last 20 years,” commented Pedro Bugallal, deputy director of international trade for CEOE (Spanish Confederation of Employers and Industry), the largest trade association in Spain. “California shows the greatest potential for growth in renewable energy, and our firms have invested billions in other US states this year. This mission will show how California can benefit from the significant investments and expertise our firms can bring to renewable energy production.” Due to sophisticated advances in energy regulation and technologies in Spain, these firms offer vast experience, state-of-the art technology, and financial resources to help California meet its Renewable Portfolio Standard and AB 32 goals.
“With California squeezed between energy demand, environmental mandates, and fallout from the financial crisis, there couldn’t be a better time for these firms to visit. California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard and AB 32 create specific mandates for renewable energy supply and greenhouse gas reductions at a time when funding is challenging. The fact that these firms have the expertise and financing to develop large renewable energy projects is good news for the state and for the economy,” said Michael Liikala, president of Solutions International, which helped organise the mission.
Spanish firms in the delegation, include the world’s largest developer of wind farms and operator of one of the largest active US solar projects, ACCIONA Energia. Abengoa Solar, planning to build a US$1 billion solar plant in Arizona called Solana, is also participating. Other firms include Siliken – which recently opened a photovoltaic panel production plant in San Diego – as well as Dragados, TSK, Elecnor, Prointec, and Union Fenosa.
Solutions International (SI) is a consulting firm that develops business strategies for US and foreign companies in the renewable energy, infrastructure and technology sectors. SI has assembled a team of experts with a long track record of success in helping firms enter new markets, partnering with local companies and managing the regulatory process. Their clients range from the world leader in infrastructure development to new companies with cutting edge technologies.
