Renewable energy developments in Basilicata and Viterbese

Italy is seeing diverse developments in its renewable energy sector, ranging from large-scale battery storage authorizations to integrated agrivoltaic projects.

In the Basilicata region, authorities have authorized two Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) located in Melfi and Picerno. These projects are part of a broader effort to meet a target of 2.1 GW of additional renewable capacity by 2030. However, the rapid increase in permit requests has raised concerns regarding strategic planning, land use for agriculture, and the capacity of the local electrical grid to absorb produced energy. The Picerno plant, which involves approximately 150 containers across 3 hectares, has drawn scrutiny regarding its integration into the local territory and potential thermal safety risks associated with lithium batteries.

In contrast, Enel has implemented an agrivoltaic project in Pian di Giorgio, Viterbese. The 54.9 MW solar park utilizes bifacial modules and tracking systems to produce approximately 90 GWh of energy annually, enough for 30,000 families. The project integrates agricultural activity by planting olive trees along the perimeter and cultivating alfalfa between panel rows. This approach aims to mitigate visual impact, preserve soil quality, and maintain the productive use of the land.