RWE Launches First Solar Plant in Italy, Advancing Renewable Energy and Biodiversity Efforts

RWE Launches First Solar Plant in Italy, Advancing Renewable Energy and Biodiversity Efforts

(IN BRIEF) RWE has inaugurated its first solar plant in Italy, the 8.3 MWac Bosco facility, which will provide green electricity to 7,000 households. The project features a wildlife-friendly fence and is integrated with RWE’s local wind farms to optimize grid use. RWE’s growing renewable presence in Italy includes both wind and solar projects, contributing to a cleaner energy future for the country.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN/ ROME, 24-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — RWE has successfully launched its inaugural solar plant in Italy, the 8.3 megawatt (MWac) Bosco solar facility located in Partinico, Sicily. The plant, composed of around 15,000 bifacial photovoltaic modules, spans 16 hectares and is set to supply green electricity to approximately 7,000 households across Italy. With the support of Italy’s newly implemented accelerated permitting process, RWE was able to reach “Ready to Build” status in under 18 months, with the plant’s construction completed in just ten months.

The Bosco solar plant is strategically linked to RWE’s nearby substation in Partinico, which also serves as the connection point for local RWE wind farms. This integration not only optimizes land use but also helps address local grid capacity challenges by feeding renewable energy from both wind and solar into the system.

Commitment to Biodiversity

In line with its environmental stewardship, RWE has incorporated a wildlife-friendly fencing system around the Bosco solar plant. This initiative ensures that small animals, such as foxes and rabbits, can safely pass beneath the fence, allowing the plant to coexist harmoniously with the local wildlife. The project exemplifies RWE’s ongoing commitment to supporting biodiversity while advancing its renewable energy initiatives.

Katja Wünschel, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, commented on the achievement: “The commissioning of the Bosco plant is a significant milestone, marking the launch of our first solar facility in Italy. Solar energy complements our expanding wind fleet, with both energy sources naturally balancing each other in terms of production. Bosco serves as a model of efficiency, from permitting to grid integration. We look forward to more projects as we contribute to Italy’s clean energy future.”

RWE’s Growing Renewable Presence in Italy

RWE is solidifying its position as a major player in Italy’s renewable energy sector. With an integrated approach to project development, construction, and operation, the company continues to make strides in the Italian market. Currently, RWE operates 16 onshore wind farms in Italy with a combined capacity of 527 MW, supplying green electricity to around 450,000 Italian homes annually. The company is also expanding its wind portfolio, with the 53 MW Mondonuovo wind farm under construction in the Apulia region.

Beyond wind, RWE is making significant investments in solar energy, including its ongoing work on two large-scale Agri-PV plants in the Campania region: Morcone (9.8 MWac) and Acquafredda (9.3 MWac), as well as the Bosco project.

Pictures of Bosco solar plant (credit: RWE) are available at the RWE Media Centre.

Media contact:

Viola Baumann
Renewable energies / Battery storage
+49 (0) 201 51795402

SOURCE: RWE