Solar and BESS projects in Italy reach ready-to-build amidst strong demand

News | 19.6.2025

Korkia’s project portfolio in Italy has achieved a significant milestone in recent months. Three solar power plant projects and one Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project have successfully reached the ready-to-build stage (RTB). These projects have been co-developed in close collaboration with Korkia’s Italian development partner, Biwo Renewables.

Korkia’s portfolio in Italy continues to grow and currently totals approximately 1GW, including mainly mid-to-small as well as large utility-scale solar and storage projects.

“Several additional photovoltaic (PV) projects, ranging from 20 to 30 MWp, are expected to reach the RTB stage in the second half of this year. These developments will create attractive exit opportunities for both institutional and private investors,” says Andrea Fradagrada, Korkia’s Country Manager for Italy.

Solar PV projects advancing in Northern Italy

Three solar power plant projects, with a total authorized capacity of 10.5 MWp, have reached a ready-to-build stage during spring 2025. These projects are strategically located in Northern Italy’s solar belt zone with high electricity prices.

The projects in RTB stage include:

• Pradamano – 5 MW
• San Giovanni al Natisone – 2.5 MW
• Sacile – 3 MW

Due to favorable land conditions and short interconnection timelines to the medium-voltage (MV) grid, all three projects can be fully constructed by the end of 2025. Two out of three projects are designed as simple, fixed ground-mounted systems, which streamline construction and reduce complexity. Site-specific conditions and infrastructure requirements have been carefully considered during development to ensure high constructability and efficiency.

Standalone BESS project in Calabria

In parallel, a 10 MW standalone BESS project in the southern Calabria region has reached the ready-to-build stage. The system utilizes 6-hour lithium-ion battery technology, designed for high efficiency and long-term durability.

The project stands out in Italy’s emerging BESS market due to its strategic location in an area characterized by many wind power plants, industrial activity and a MV connection to the grid providing a short lead time of just 100 days.

The project is also eligible for the national incentive program, MACSE mechanism.

Italy emerges as one of Europe’s top renewable energy market

Italy has set an ambitious target of achieving 50 gigawatt-hours of new utility-scale storage capacity by 2030. This goal positions the country as one of the most attractive markets for renewable energy investment in Europe.

Italy benefits from excellent solar radiation due to its central location in the Mediterranean. However, there are several other compelling reasons why Italy is currently such an attractive market for investors.

“Italy has the highest electricity prices in Europe, significantly above those seen in countries like Spain and France,” explains Andrea Fradagrada.

The introduction of auction mechanisms has also created a stable investment environment by guaranteeing contracted revenues for a period of 15 to 20 years. These contracts typically provide predictable income, helping investors to secure project financing and recover a substantial portion of their capital through predictable income streams.

One notable trend in Italy is the geographic shift in development activity from south to the north, where energy demand is higher. At the same time, project sizes are increasing, and there is a growing focus on agri-PV systems, reflecting a broader shift away from traditional ground-mounted plants. Agri-PV systems allow agricultural activities to coexist with solar energy production.

More information:

Andrea Fradagrada
Country Manager, Italy
andrea.fradagrada@korkia.fi