225.5 MW Sicily project combines contracted revenues, large-scale generation capacity and agrivoltaic integration, strengthening European Energy’s renewable energy portfolio in Italy.
– EUR 200+ million investment in one of Europe’s largest agrivoltaic projects with long-term revenue visibility through Italy’s FER X CfD scheme.
– 225.5 MW project expands European Energy’s Italian portfolio with a large-scale asset where European Energy is overseeing development, engineering, procurement and construction activities designed for long-term operational performance.
– Advanced development status, secured grid connection and expected annual production of 405 GWh support a strong investment and partnership profile for the asset.
European Energy has started construction on a 225.5 MW agrivoltaic project near Vizzini in Sicily, following a final investment decision exceeding EUR 200 million.
The project is expected to become Italy’s largest agrivoltaic plant and one of the largest in Europe, further strengthening European Energy’s position in the Italian renewable energy market and expanding the company’s portfolio of large-scale renewable energy assets across Southern Europe.
Once operational, the facility is expected to generate approximately 405 GWh of electricity annually, corresponding to the electricity consumption of more than 135,000 households. The project combines utility-scale renewable energy generation with agricultural activities, including sheep grazing, reforestation initiatives, and biodiversity measures across the site.
The project benefits from long-term revenue visibility through Italy’s FER X Transitional Contract for Difference auction scheme and has been designed with a focus on operational efficiency, constructability, scalability and long-term asset performance.
Construction activities are now underway following the completion of the project’s design and procurement phase, with European Energy managing engineering, procurement and construction activities in collaboration with local contractors, suppliers and technical partners from the surrounding region. The project includes agrivoltaic technologies adapted to local agricultural conditions and has been designed to support efficient long-term operations and maintenance.
Alessandro Migliorini, Head of Public Affairs, Italy at European Energy, said:
'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 designed specifically for the local context.'
Filippo Ricci, Country Manager of Italy at European Energy, said:
'European Energy has established a strong development pipeline and local presence in Italy over the past 20 years, and we continue to see significant investor interest in large-scale renewable energy projects with strong resource quality, long-term visibility, and integrated land-use solutions. Our focus remains on developing projects that are robust from both an operational and investment perspective.'
Jens-Peter Zink, Deputy CEO at European Energy, said:
'Vizzini is a project of a 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.'
The Vizzini project forms part of European Energy’s portfolio awarded under Italy’s FER X Transitional Contract for Difference auction scheme. In total, five solar projects developed by European Energy across Sicily, Puglia and Molise, representing 513 MW, received support under the scheme.
European Energy previously developed the Troia solar park in Puglia, which at the time of commissioning in 2020 was the largest solar park in Italy.
Key facts about the Vizzini agrivoltaic project
- Total capacity: 225.5 MW
- Estimated annual electricity production: 405 GWh
- Equivalent annual electricity consumption: more than 135,000 households
- Estimated annual CO2 emissions avoided: 162,090 tonnes
- Agrivoltaic technology with solar panels installed 1.3 metres above ground
- Approximately 820 sheep grazing on site
Land use
- 260 hectares plant area
- 90 hectares dedicated to reforestation
- 25 hectares for mitigation measures, including olive trees and prickly pears
- 25 hectares maintained in natural conditions
Auction scheme
- Awarded under Italy’s FER X Transitional auction scheme
Source: European Energy
