Milan, Italy – Sonnedix, a leading renewable energy producer with over 3 GW of global operating capacity, today announced that it has acquired an 80 MW solar PV plant in Sicily from Blunova SpA, the sub holding of Carlo Maresca Group involved in developing renewable energy. This marks a significant milestone in a wider relationship with the renewable energy construction company, that will see Sonnedix acquire ten operating plants totalling 250 MW across Southern Italy.
Once complete, this 250 MW portfolio is expected to produce more than 145,000 MWh in the first year of production, enough to power approximately 55,000 Italian households1 and avoid over 50,000 tonnes of CO2e2.
The acquisition of the 80 MW plant follows a previous purchase of three plants from Blunova SpA. Agreements for the further six plants are expected to close during the first half of 2025, increasing Sonnedix’s operating capacity in Italy to nearly 800 MW.
The ten projects are contracted under Italy’s Gestore dei Servizi Energetici (GSE) FER 1 auction round, providing a stable and guaranteed electricity price to Sonnedix’s customers over 20 years.
Sonnedix’s CEO, Axel Thiemann, said:"Today's announcement is a big achievement in our growth strategy for Italy. By acquiring these plants, we’re on track to double our operating capacity in Italy, as the team focuses on optimizing and converting our portfolio of renewable energy projects. Our deep knowledge of the Italian market and proven track record position us as the ideal owner of these assets, while also aligning with our goal to deliver clean, affordable, and reliable energy to Italian consumers.”
Sonnedix’s Head of Growth for Italy, Giuseppe Maronna, said:“The acquisition of these ten plants, regulated under the Italian government’s renewable energy auction round, is key to our growth strategy in Italy, providing our customers with fixed, long-term prices for renewable energy. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the Carlo Maresca Group so we can continue to accelerate Italy’s energy transition.”
Blunova SpA, represented by Dario Barbetta (General Manager, Legal) and Emanuele Mainardi (General Manager, Development) said:“Our high-quality collaboration with Sonnedix started about two years ago. In 2024, the first set of important operations were completed, thanks to the strong teamwork of the various commercial, technical and legal staff across the companies involved, to whom we offer our sincere thanks for their drive and their commitment.
Blunova continues its operation in the renewable sector through our four GW pipeline under development, which includes photovoltaic, agrivoltaics, onshore wind, offshore wind and storage technologies.”
Sonnedix first entered Italy in 2010, and since then, the company has maintained a long-term commitment to the Italian market and plans to continue its growth trajectory. In December 2023, Sonnedix signed a €260 million green loan to finance the acquisition and construction of renewable energy projects in Italy.
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Notes to Editors
About Sonnedix
Sonnedix is a global renewable energy producer with over a decade-long trajectory of sustainable growth. Sonnedix develops, builds, and operates renewable energy projects for the long-term, with a focus on providing green, affordable electricity to our customers, and acting as a true social citizen there where it operates.
Sonnedix currently has a total capacity of over 10GW, including a development pipeline of more than 6GW, across Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Spain, USA, and UK. The company continues to expand its global footprint across OECD countries, through acquisitions and development of renewable energy projects.
For more information, please visit www.sonnedix.com
Media contact: comms@sonnedix.com / sonnedix@fticonsulting.com
About Blunova SpA
Blunova SpA is the Carlo Maresca (www.blunovaspa.it) group company that specializes in the construction and management of solar and wind renewable energy plants. It manages the entire production chain; from the identification of the site, the design and the construction of the plant, connection to the national electricity grid, and ongoing management and maintenance to ensure the plant works to the highest level.
Between 2019-2023, Blunova was the first Italian operator with about 550 MW authorized and auctioned within the 2019 FER Decree. 300MW of this is now in operation with the rest under construction with the forecast of grid connection by December 2024.
In 2023, Blunova became the first Italian operator in terms of MW production from photovoltaic plants connected to the national grid, with 184 MWp.
1IEA figures used in Household Electricity Consumption - 2024 - Shrink That Footprint