European Energy to Build Italy’s Biggest Solar Farm with 250 MW Capacity

A developer and operator of renewable energy, European Energy has announced that it has obtained the building permit to build a large solar power park in the municipality of Vizzini near Catania in Sicily that will have a capacity of 250 MW.

European Energy said that once operational, the plant will generate renewable energy equivalent to the consumption of 130,000 households. By displacing the use of fossil fuels, this initiative will save approximately 165,000 tons of CO2 annually as the firm reinforces its commitment to Italy’s green energy transition.

“Italy is a key country and market for European Energy, and authorization for this project represents an important milestone for our company. We have at several occasions proven that we are capable of rolling-out large-scale renewable energy projects in Italy, and we look forward to delivering another important solar farm to the benefit of the Italian community,” said Knud Erik Andersen, CEO, European Energy.

European Energy has already constructed several solar farms in Italy, including the 130 MW Troia-project in the Apulia region of Italy.

The 250 MW Sicily solar project has a strong focus on the sustainability of the land that is used. In addition to renewable energy production, the project includes a comprehensive reforestation and biodiversity program covering 200 hectares of land.

As per European Energy Sicily has exceptional high solar radiation and combined with the utilization of cutting-edge photovoltaic technologies, the renewable energy production on the available surface area will be maximize.

“With this authorization, we take a further step forward in our strategic path in Italy, where we will continue to invest in renewable energy projects, mainly wind and solar, always linked to programs for the recovery of the cultural fabric or the development of the natural heritage of the territory where we construct,” commented, Alessandro Migliorini, Country Manager, European Energy Italia.

Environmental Actions

Key actions include flora and fauna reconstruction, planting of native Mediterranean maquis species such as Downy Oak, Cork Oak, Holm Oak, Flowering Ash, Field Elm, Olive Tree, Carob Tree, and Lentiscus, as well as the protection of Natura 2000 areas. Furthermore, measures will be taken to combat desertification through the construction of drainage trenches that enhance the water table and minimize surface runoff.

The current installed solar power capacity of Italy stands around 24 GW. Most of the solar power installations are in Apulia and Lombardy regions. Italy has set its solar energy target for 2030 at 50 GW.