Sonnedix continues its expansion in the Italian renewable energies market with the acquisition of ten solar power plants, totalling 250 MW of installed capacity.
The latest is an 80 MW plant in Sicily, purchased from Blunova SpA, a subsidiary of the Carlo Maresca Group.
This purchase strengthens Sonnedix’s presence in Italy, where the company already has a significant share of its global renewable energy portfolio.
The company expects all ten plants to generate more than 145,000 MWh in their first year of operation, enough to power around 55,000 homes in Italy.
These plants are subject to the conditions of the FER 1 program of the Gestore dei Servizi Energetici (GSE), guaranteeing Sonnedix a stable, regulated tariff for the electricity produced, over a 20-year period.
Objective: optimize the Italian portfolio
The acquisition of these plants marks an important step in Sonnedix’s strategy.
The company is focusing on optimizing its existing assets in Italy, a market it knows well.
Already present since 2010, Sonnedix continues to strengthen its investments and forge solid partnerships, such as that with Blunova SpA, with the aim of accelerating the development of photovoltaic and wind power projects in the region.
This new acquisition follows the conclusion of several similar transactions in recent years, including the purchase of three power plants from Blunova SpA.
The remaining six projects are expected to be finalized by mid-2025.
Once all the acquisitions have been completed, Sonnedix will have a capacity of almost 800 MW in Italy, positioning itself as one of the country’s leading renewable energy companies.
Regulation that benefits producers
The plants acquired by Sonnedix are part of the FER 1 program, a support mechanism set up by the Italian government to encourage the production of green energy.
This program, managed by the GSE, ensures a stable economic framework for renewable energy producers.
The scheme offers guaranteed tariffs for electricity produced over a 20-year period, thus ensuring the sustainability of investments in this sector.
Italy, in its quest for greater energy independence, is seeking to diversify its sources of supply while complying with European decarbonization targets.
Programs like FER 1 are helping to accelerate this transition, while providing a more stable economic environment for renewable electricity producers like Sonnedix.
A long-term partnership with Blunova SpA
The partnership between Sonnedix and Blunova SpA, already well established, takes on a new dimension with this series of acquisitions.
Dario Barbetta and Emanuele Mainardi, representatives of Blunova SpA, hail the quality of the collaboration that has enabled the company to conclude some major operations in 2024.
Blunova SpA, as a subsidiary of the Carlo Maresca Group, remains a key player in the development of renewable energy projects in Italy, with a portfolio under development of over 4 GW.
Blunova SpA continues to diversify its projects, including photovoltaic and wind power installations (onshore and offshore), as well as energy storage solutions.
This partnership underlines the importance of cooperation between different players in the sector, whether project developers or energy producers, to meet the growing needs of the Italian market.
Green financing to support growth
Sonnedix benefits from solid financing to support its development in Italy.
In December 2023, the company signed a €260 million green loan to finance the acquisition and construction of renewable energy projects in the country.
This financing is part of a long-term investment dynamic that will enable Sonnedix to continue developing new projects and strengthening its market position.
This approach is also part of a broader framework of sustainable financing, which encourages investment in green technologies.
The projects financed by this loan will contribute to meeting European targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while offering growth opportunities for the company.
Sonnedix’s continued expansion in Italy, supported by strong partnerships and a favorable regulatory framework, is testimony to the vitality of the renewable energy market in Europe.
This strategy not only meets the country’s growing energy needs, but also enhances energy security while meeting Europe’s environmental commitments.
