Axpo starts work on 20 MWp solar power plant in northern Italy

18.06.2024 - Axpo has taken a significant step towards expanding its solar energy initiatives in Italy by commencing construction on a 20 MWp ground-mounted solar power plant, it was announced today. Located at Manzano, in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northern Italy, the project ‘Parco Molini’ marks a key development in Axpo's renewable energy strategy across Europe. 

In early December 2023, Axpo signed a purchase agreement with Semesteb, an Italian utility scale solar systems developer, for the ‘ready-to-build’ 20 MWp ground-mounted solar power plant in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northern Italy. The plant will be built on an area of non-agricultural land use that is already suitable ‘ex lege’ for the installation of ground-mounted plants and compatible with the land use. 

The plant will be connected to the public grid, with the produced electricity sold through a power purchase agreement (PPA), for which a buyer is currently being sought. 

Axpo commenced construction of the 20 MWp solar plant today. The facility will span 16 hectares and feature nearly 34,500 solar panels, producing more than 25 GWh of climate friendly energy a year. This output corresponds to the annual electricity requirements of around 9,000 households.

Beneficial for the local community

As part of compensatory measures agreed with local authorities for the ‘Parco Molini’ power plant and a second 20 MWp plant ‘Parco Solare Casali Birri’ owned by Semesteb, the two developers will construct a 500 kWp power plant located in the same municipality. 
This PV facility will supply energy to the local community under a collective self-consumption scheme known as 'Comunità Energetica'. An agreement with the municipality of Manzano (UD) was signed in April 2024 and provide for the construction of the small PV plant in the industrial area of Manzano. The energy produced by this plant will be dedicated to the local community.

Commitment to solar energy

The expansion of renewable energy is a strategic pillar for Axpo. The company has already built over 700 large-scale solar plants and aims to develop ten gigawatts of installed solar capacity across Europe. Axpo has been active in the Italian market for over twenty years, providing bespoke solutions and energy services to end customers. 

Head of Axpo’s Solar Division, Antoine Millioud, said: “The Parco Molini project is a significant milestone in our efforts to improve renewable energy capacity in Italy. We’re committed to contributing to the local community's energy needs and supporting Italy's transition to sustainable energy.”

Axpo remains dedicated to driving the growth of renewable energy and supporting local communities through innovative and sustainable energy solutions.