Increasing Italy’s Solar Capacity

The Colosseum in Italy

Before I start talking about solar power, I just have to take a minute to say that Italy is my favorite European Country.  I am an American, so I realize that it might make me a little “uncultured.”  But I have been to Italy twice in my lifetime and I just can’t get enough!

I could (and maybe should) put up some photos here showing my travels 15 and 25 years ago in Italy.  I’ve visited, Rome, the Vatican, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Naples, Sorrento, Naples, Pisa, Venice, Florence, and more!  The country is literally rich in tourist destinations.

So I thought, why not take this international goodwill and translate it into renewable energy headlines?  That’s why it is so exciting to report about increasing Italy’s solar capacity.  Looks like green is more than just a color in its flag!

What is on the horizon for solar energy in Italy?

Taranto, Italy

First of all, a leading sustainable energy company, Econcern, recently announced plans to install 42 megawatts of solar capacity in Puglia, in southern Italy. Project Trullo will start with the construction of seven 1MW solar parks early in 2009, and the parks will be in operation by 2010.  Overall, Project Trullo will add 15% to Italy’s 280 megawatts solar power generation capacity.

But 15% is not good enough!  Ecoconcern plans to increase its Italian solar portfolio by an additional 50 megawatts (more than another 15%) in the near future.  Econcern will own 51% of shares in the holding company of Project Trullo. The Ampere Equity Fund, an active investor in renewable energy projects, acquired the remaining 49%.

The development of solar energy assets across Europe is a core area of business for Econcern; the company installed 35MW in 2008 and expects to install another 75MW this year. Kees van der Leun, a board member at Econcern predicted that newly installed solar power will exceed other energy sources within ten years.  He predicted that the International Energy Agency estimates of solar growth by 2020 would be achieved in the next year.  Also, Econcern’s director of project development, Dennis Lange, expects the Italian solar market will have exceptional growth potential. Mr. Lange believes that it will grow from 280 megawatts currently, to 5,000 megawatts by 2020.

“We have ambitions to become a leading player in the Italian solar market. As a company we have a mission to ensure a sustainable energy supply for everyone. Development of major solar energy assets will have a big role in creating a sustainable future.”

I am thinking that another trip to Italy is required for me to get a good grasp on Italy’s solar capacity.

Want to go with me?

Tags: econcern, italy, italy solar power