European Energy launches Italy’s largest agrivoltaic project in Sicily

European Energy has embarked on the construction of what is poised to become Italy’s largest agrivoltaic project, a 225.5MW solar installation near Vizzini in Sicily supported by an investment exceeding €200 million. This initiative underscores the increasing significance of agrivoltaics in Europe’s renewable energy sector, showcasing the fusion of large-scale solar generation with agricultural activities. For readers of eeNews Europe, this development signifies the evolving approach towards utility-scale solar projects, emphasizing land-use integration, grid readiness, and long-term revenue stability.

Upon completion, the Sicily facility is projected to produce approximately 405GWh of electricity annually, sufficient to power over 135,000 households. The site will incorporate sheep grazing, reforestation zones, and biodiversity measures, aligning with the industry trend of combining renewable energy generation with agricultural practices. European Energy has strategically designed the plant with solar panels elevated 1.3 meters above ground level to facilitate farming activities beneath them, with an estimated 820 sheep set to graze on the premises.

The overall land allocation for the project encompasses 260 hectares for the solar plant, 90 hectares designated for reforestation, and an additional 25 hectares allocated for mitigation measures such as olive trees and prickly pears. An additional 25 hectares will be left in its natural state. Construction has commenced subsequent to the completion of the design and procurement phase, with the company overseeing engineering, procurement, and construction activities in collaboration with local contractors and suppliers.

Alessandro Migliorini, Head of Public Affairs, Italy at European Energy, emphasized the collaborative approach taken in developing the project, stating, “The project has been developed in close dialogue with local stakeholders and authorities, with a strong focus on integrating the facility into the surrounding area. Alongside renewable electricity production, the project includes agricultural activities, mitigation measures, and reforestation initiatives tailored to the local context.”

The Vizzini project secured support under Italy’s FER X Transitional Contract for Difference auction scheme, ensuring long-term revenue predictability. The combination of contracted revenues, secured grid connection, and advanced-stage development played a pivotal role in facilitating the final investment decision. Jens-Peter Zink, Deputy CEO at European Energy, highlighted the robust fundamentals of the Vizzini project, stating, “Vizzini is a project of substantial scale with strong long-term fundamentals. The combination of contracted revenues, advanced-stage development, grid connection, and large-scale production capacity makes it an attractive asset profile within the European renewable energy market.”

This project forms part of European Energy’s broader Italian portfolio, with a total of five solar projects developed by the company across Sicily, Puglia, and Molise, amounting to 513MW, receiving support under the FER X scheme. European Energy had previously developed the Troia solar park in Puglia, which emerged as Italy’s largest solar park upon commencing operations in 2020.