Italy's Solar Surge: PV Capacity Reaches 33.62 GW in 2024
Italy, Monday, 19 August 2024.
Italy’s photovoltaic sector experienced significant growth in the first half of 2024, adding 3.34 GW of new solar installations. This boost increased the country’s total PV capacity to 33.62 GW, marking a substantial rise in utility-scale projects and underscoring Italy’s commitment to renewable energy expansion.
Utility-Scale Projects Leading the Charge
The first six months of 2024 saw a remarkable uptick in utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) installations across Italy. Of the new 3.34 GW capacity added, 36% (1.201 GW) came from utility-scale plants. This includes 17 plants over 10 MW which collectively contributed 540 MW. These plants are strategically located in regions such as Lombardy, Lazio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Sicily, Sardinia, and Puglia, ensuring a widespread distribution of solar energy generation.
Regional Contributions
Several regions have emerged as significant contributors to Italy’s growing PV capacity. Lombardy led the way with 554 MW, followed by Lazio with 426 MW, and Veneto with 329 MW. Other notable contributions came from Emilia-Romagna (304 MW), Piedmont (257 MW), and Sardinia (242 MW). This regional diversification not only boosts local economies but also enhances the stability and reliability of the national grid.
Growth Across All Sectors
The expansion wasn’t limited to utility-scale projects. Residential systems under 20 kW accounted for 29% (985 MW) of the new capacity, while commercial and industrial (C&I) systems contributed 35% (1.155 GW). This balanced growth across various sectors showcases Italy’s holistic approach to renewable energy adoption, ensuring that both small-scale and large-scale projects are well-represented.
Leadership and Future Prospects
Paolo Rocco Viscontini, president of Italia Solare, highlighted the importance of these developments, stating, ‘The data demonstrate how the utility-scale sector is finally growing and the authorizations granted are starting to translate into plants built and connected to the grid.’ This sentiment reflects the broader optimism within the industry, as Italy continues to position itself as a leader in renewable energy. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has also played a crucial role, providing substantial financial support for new solar projects, further accelerating the country’s transition to sustainable energy sources.