RWE has officially commissioned its first solar plant in Italy, marking a significant milestone in the company’s renewable energy journey. The 8.3-megawatt (MWac) Bosco solar plant is located in Partinico, Sicily, and is composed of approximately 15,000 bifacial photovoltaic modules. This state-of-the-art facility spans 16 hectares and is expected to provide green electricity to up to 7,000 Italian households. 1m214b

The project’s swift development was made possible by Italy’s new accelerated permitting process, allowing RWE to achieve “Ready to Build” status in under 18 months. Construction of the plant itself took approximately ten months. Additionally, to optimize land and resource use and mitigate grid scarcity, Bosco utilizes a nearby RWE substation in Partinico, which is already serving local RWE wind farms.

The project also takes steps to protect local wildlife and biodiversity. A wildlife-friendly fence has been installed around the solar plant to allow small animals, such as foxes and rabbits, to safely under the fencing, promoting harmony with the local ecosystem. This voluntary initiative highlights RWE’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and biodiversity protection.

Katja Wünschel, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, emphasized the significance of this project: “With the commissioning of Bosco, our first solar plant in Italy is up and running, with more projects to come. Solar is a perfect match for our growing wind fleet in Italy, as solar and wind complement each other perfectly, with their production patterns naturally balancing each other. Bosco is a flagship project in of efficiency, both in the permitting process and grid access. We look forward to the next milestones in our journey to a clean, stable, and cost-effective energy future for Italy.”

This new solar plant is a key step in RWE’s efforts to expand its renewable energy capacity in Italy and contribute to the country’s transition towards a more sustainable energy future.