E.ON forms solar partnership in Spain

MADRID, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- Solar power forms the pillar of renewable energy strategies, Germany utility E.ON said as it enters into a partnership for solar energy in southern Spain.

E.ON Climate & Renewables announced a partnership with Spain's Abengoa Solar to run two 50-megawatt solar power plants in southern Spain.

E.ON said both solar plants would remove more than 60,000 tons of carbon emissions from the atmosphere while providing enough energy to satisfy the needs of 52,000 homes.

The German utility said it plans to invest close to $12 billion in renewable energy projects during the next few years.

"Solar Power will be the next strong pillar in E.ON's renewables portfolio," said Frank Mastiaux, the chief executive of E.ON Climate & Renewables.

E.ON said it has more than 2.8 gigawatts of renewable capacity in its current portfolio. Its joint partnership with Abengoa envisions an $823 million investment in the Spanish solar plants.

Operation for the solar facilities is planned for as early as 2011.