Elgin targets 3 GW of Italian batteries, agrivoltaics

London-based solar and energy storage developer Elgin has entered the Italian market with a stated aim of developing a more than 3 GW pipeline by 2030, with batteries and agrivoltaics a priority.

“Our current strategy is targeting a split of approximately 50% solar and 50% [energy] storage, including both co-located agrivoltaic projects and standalone BESS projects,” Ludovica Zurzolo, senior development manager at Elgin Italy, told pv magazine Italia. “This approach will be reassessed annually.”

Elgin, which has opened a Rome office, is interested in developing BESS mainly in central and southern Italy, and on the nation’s islands.

“The attractiveness of a BESS project is determined by several factors including [its] capacity, durability, and the suitability of the location for authorization,” said Zurzolo. “Access to incentives such as the Macse significantly increases the feasibility of the project. Furthermore, projects located near critical grid nodes, where grid balancing is essential, are particularly attractive.”

The developer has identified other funding mechanisms including the Fer-X program to incentivize solar projects and regional renewables and energy storage programs.

The UK-based, Danish-owned developer has already signed an agreement with Rinascita Holding to develop a 200 MW, €200 million ($219 million) BESS in Umbria.

Zurzolo said that project has secured legal authorization and a grid permit, adding, “We expect to submit the project to Mase [The Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security] by the end of the month, with further development stages pending approval.”

Elgin’s expansion into Europe is taking place after Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners acquired a majority stake in the company last year.

Discussing its Rome office, in Via del Tritone, Elgin said, “With key hires in development, operations, legal, and [grid] network connections, the team will continue to expand in the coming months, supported by Elgin’s Dublin and London offices. The Italian team is expected to grow to 15 members by 2029.”

On agrivoltaics, manager Zurzolo said, “We are closely following the Italian government guidelines for agrivoltaic projects, both for advanced agri-PV systems, that can benefit from PNRR incentives, and for simpler configurations. Our approach will be adapted to regional regulations and site suitability. We intend to collaborate with local agrivoltaic experts to ensure regulatory compliance, improve agricultural productivity, and optimize land use.”

From pv magazine Italia.