University of Bologna doubles solar energy capacity

The University of Bologna has doubled its solar energy production capacity by commissioning four new large-scale photovoltaic plants located across its Bologna and Forlì campuses. This expansion increases the institution's total installed solar power from 1.5 MWp to 3.08 MWp.

Annual energy production is expected to rise from 1.69 GWh to 3.4 GWh, raising the share of self-produced electricity to over 7% of total consumption. The initiative is projected to save approximately 850,000 euros annually in supply costs and reduce CO2 emissions by more than 700 tons per year.

By implementing these systems, the university has already exceeded its Strategic Plan target of 2.5 MWp set for 2027. Rector Giovanni Molari stated that renewable self-production serves as both an environmental duty and a structural economic safeguard to protect the university from energy market volatility and price spikes.