The concentrating solar power plants, which are already under construction in Ecija, Seville, will utilise parabolic trough technology.

The 50:50 partnership is aimed to invest a around of €550 million into the two plants concentrating solar power which will start operation in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

The participation of E.ON in the projects is still subject to the EU–Commission approval under merger control.

Frank Mastiaux, CEO of E.ON Climate & Renewables says: “Solar power will be the next strong pillar in E.ON’s renewables portfolio. Our entry into CSP complements our recent moves into the photovoltaic business and we will now stand on two feet in solar in the future.”