BNZ, an independent power producer (IPP) that develops, builds and operates renewable energy projects, today has inaugurated three photovoltaic projects totalling 135 MWp in the Lazio region of Italy (Rinaldone, Camposcala and Mandrione), near Viterbo and Montalto di Castro. The inauguration took place in the province of Viterbo and brought together all the stakeholders involved, including representatives of local authorities such as the Municipality of Viterbo, as well as business partners, other local associations and various collaborators.
The commissioning of these projects marks an important step forward for BNZ’s presence in Italy. As one of BNZ’s core markets, the company plans to invest around €600 million and create a total of 800 jobs by the end of this decade.
BNZ intends to contribute to Italy’s decarbonisation and energy transition path and will launch further initiatives to generate energy from 100% renewable sources. Among these, BNZ is already working on storage projects (BESS) and hybrid systems that integrate photovoltaic and wind power.
The projects in Lazio involved an investment of around €150 million and the creation of around 200 direct and indirect jobs. The electricity produced by these solar parks can cover almost 60% of the annual electricity needs of the municipalities of Montalto di Castro and Viterbo. The clean energy produced by these plants will avoid the emission of 66,187 tonnes of CO2 per year, equivalent to about 3,940 return flights between Rome and Los Angeles for a family of four.
BNZ’s production of reliable and affordable photovoltaic solar energy in the national territory will also avoid the importation of fossil fuels such as natural gas from third countries. This will increase energy independence and supply security while improving environmental sustainability. For example, the energy produced by these BNZ projects will save the use of nearly 41.5 million cubic meters of natural gas per year.
Luis Selva, CEO of BNZ, said: “The inauguration of our three plants in Lazio is part of our broader journey in Italy, which includes new projects under development and exploring opportunities with innovative technologies. We are targeting 520 MW of new installed capacity by 2026 through a total of nine photovoltaic plants, also located in Sicily and Apulia. The renewable energy sector in Italy has great potential thanks to its natural resources and technological expertise. Our goal is to become one of the largest solar IPPs in Italy, bringing social and environmental value to the region.”
Jordi Francesch, Head of Asset Management at Nuveen Infrastructure, who also attended the inauguration, added: “The green transition offers significant opportunities for Italy. These relate to three aspects: the pure production of renewable energy, the development of the welfare of local communities and the creation of jobs. We want to be a reliable and competent partner for all areas and for the whole country. Building strong relationships with our stakeholders will ensure our long-term success.”
BNZ has developed projects to regenerate the flora of local communities
BNZ is fully committed to the environmental and social progress of the local communities in which it operates. For this reason, in addition to the positive economic impact of the facilities on the local area and their compliance with the highest environmental standards, BNZ is working with local farmers to plant olive trees and native vegetation around and under the solar panels in Mandrione and Camposcala. Trials for the installation of beehives have also been activated. Finally, BNZ has financed self-consumption systems that produce clean energy for public schools in Viterbo.
