Alpiq, a Swiss-owned electricity producer, is selling its Switzerland-based solar plants to PS Panneaux Solaires SA.
PS Panneaux Solaires SA operates the Gefiswiss Energy Transition Fund.
The agreement states that PS Panneaux Solaires SA will operate the seven rooftop solar plants sold to them by Alpiq, located in Fribourg, Solothurn and Vaud – which will provide the company with a portfolio of 5.5MWp total installed capacity.
According to a release from Alpiq, the sale has been driven by the producer’s priority of “strengthen(ing) the security of supply and flexibility solutions.” Therefore, Alpiq plans to avoid investing in the development of PV systems which don’t align with this priority.
“The development of photovoltaics in the field of energy production is pleasing. In parallel, there is an increasing demand for flexibility solutions, which is a driver of the energy transition,” comments Amédée Murisier, Head of the Switzerland business division and member of Alpiq’s Executive Board.
“Our highly flexible power plant portfolio enables us to significantly contribute to the flexibility of the energy system and, therefore, to the success of the energy transition.”
Despite sharing six Alpine PV plant projects with local companies, Alpiq’s primary plants are hydropower-based with its portfolio also including wind farms.
Solar energy has increased its presence in Switzerland’s electricity mix, with 2023 seeing newly installed capacity jump to 40% compared to 2022. This resulted in a rise of 1,126MW of solar energy to about 1,500.
To stay up-to-date with the latest solar developments, in Switzerland and beyond, don’t miss the Zurich edition of Solar & Storage Live – taking place 17-18 September 2024.
[Image credit: Alpiq]
