Italy is set to invest in Enel’s photovoltaic panel factory in Sicily, marking a significant step towards bolstering solar panel production and positioning the country as a key player in Europe’s renewable energy sector. Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the government’s support for the project on Saturday during her visit to the 3Sun plant in Catania.
With 90 million euros ($97 million) in funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), the investment aims to enhance the factory’s capabilities, including establishing a new production line. Meloni emphasized the goal for Catania to emerge as a prominent hub for solar panel manufacturing, underlining the strategic importance of advancing renewable energy technologies.
The current production capacity of the 3Sun plant stands at approximately 200 megawatts (MW) annually and is slated to expand significantly to 3 gigawatts (GW) by the end of the year. Although there has been a slight delay compared to Enel’s initial announcement in 2022, the expansion represents a substantial increase in output.
Meloni outlined ambitious job creation targets to generate 700 new direct positions by the end of 2024 and create around 1,000 indirect jobs through collaborations with companies associated with the 3Sun plant. This initiative aligns with Italy’s broader economic development goals and efforts to address regional disparities, particularly in the southern regions.
The investment in the photovoltaic panel factory comes amidst the European Union’s push to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources and reduce reliance on imported gas, particularly from Russia. Meloni emphasized the need for Italy to remain competitive in the renewable energy sector, especially compared to its Asian counterparts.
Enel’s expansion project received a significant financial boost in January with a 560 million euro package from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and a consortium of Italian banks led by UniCredit. Additional funding from the European Union’s innovation fund for green technology projects underscores the importance of advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Moreover, Enel is exploring potential partnerships with investors, with discussions underway to sell up to a 50% stake in the factory. This collaboration aims to leverage expertise and resources to enhance the facility’s capabilities further and contribute to Italy’s renewable energy ambitions.
