Zenith Energy, the international energy production and development company, has announced the acquisition of an additional photovoltaic development project in the Puglia region of Italy. The Acquisition represents a strategic advancement toward the Company’s objective of achieving a solar energy development portfolio capacity exceeding 200 MWp by the close of 2026.
Overview of the Acquisition
- The Acquisition comprises a photovoltaic development project located in the Puglia region, with an expected installed capacity of approximately 10MWp.
- Photovoltaic parks are generally cheaper to build than agrivoltaic parks and typically command a premium price in the secondary market.
- The Company has secured sufficient land to accommodate an integrated 4MW Battery Energy Storage System ('BESS') to optimize energy dispatch and support the requirements of the local grid.
- The Acquisition is classified as being in the development stage.
- The Company expects the project to reach Ready-to-Build ('RtB') status by February 2027.
- The total consideration for the Puglia Acquisition is EUR 1,050,000. Payment will be made upon securing all required permits and achieving RtB status at the conclusion of the development process.
Strategy Overview
In the solar energy industry, a 'pipeline' refers to the portfolio of development projects being advanced toward construction. Zenith’s pipeline comprises a rapidly growing portfolio of projects progressing through design, permitting, and grid-connection milestones, moving toward Ready-to-Build ('RtB') status.
Solar development pipelines possess significant intrinsic value, which generally increases as projects progress and risks are mitigated through the development process. As previously disclosed in the Company’s regulatory news announcement dated 4 December 2025, an independent valuation of Zenith’s 110.5MWp solar pipeline placed its value at EUR 27.5 million upon reaching Ready-to-Build ('RtB') status. Following subsequent acquisitions, the Company’s solar pipeline has expanded to approximately 135.5MWp, and an updated independent valuation has, accordingly, been commissioned.
Zenith intends to pursue a commercially focused strategy across its Italian portfolio, advancing projects to RtB status and selectively monetising a portion of these assets. Proceeds from such sales are expected to support the continued development of the remaining projects through to production, where they are intended to generate long-term, recurring electricity revenue for the Company.
Relaunch of Sant’Andrea Gas Field
Due to ongoing conflicts affecting several key gas-producing countries, the Company expects a significant increase in natural gas prices and, consequently, electricity prices. In light of these market conditions, Zenith has decided to recommence production at the Sant’ Andrea gas field in Italy. Upon reactivation, the field is expected to produce approximately 40,000 cubic metres of natural gas per month (equivalent to 480,000 cubic metres per annum), with production to be connected to and sold through the Italian national grid.
Andrea Cattaneo, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
'We are delighted to further strengthen our solar portfolio in one of the most attractive solar development markets in Europe. Following the Acquisition, our solar development pipeline has increased to approximately 135.5MWp, and we intend to continue expanding it rapidly toward our target of at least 200MWp by the end of 2026.
The ongoing geopolitical tensions also underscore the strategic importance of secure natural gas supply and reliable electricity generation in Europe. Against this backdrop, Zenith is actively expanding its solar portfolio while increasing our existing natural gas production.'
Source: Zemith Energy
