44 applications for solar parks in Chernobyl exclusion zone

The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine has received a total of 44 applications to carry out the construction of several solar parks in the Chernobyl exclusion zone.

The minister, Ostap Semerak, said that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will consider financing solar projects in the zone.

Late last year it was announced that GCL System Integration Technology and China National Complete Engineering Corp (CCEC) plan to start work in 2017 on a solar complex of more than 1 GW in the Chernobyl area.

Ostap Semerak said: 

"Its cheap land and abundant sunlight constitute a solid foundation for the project. In addition, the remaining electric transmission facilities are ready for reuse.”

CCEC will be the general contractor, managing the overall project, while GCL will provide consultancy and planning services, plus the photovoltaics.

Mr. Shu Hua, Chairman of GCL-SI, said:

“There will be remarkable social benefits and economical ones as we try to renovate the once damaged area with green and renewable energy. We are glad that we are making joint efforts with Ukraine to rebuild the community for the local people.”

GCL System Integration Technology Co. Ltd is part of Golden Concord Group (GCL) which is an international energy company specializing in clean and sustainable power production. The group, founded in 1990 now employees over 25,000 people. GCL supplies 29% total worldwide wafer capacity yield, represents 22% silicon market shares, and owns global assets worth nearly US$16 billion.