Cero Generation has commenced operations at a 70-megawatt agrivoltaic solar farm in Italy. Situated in the province of Latina, Lazio, the Pontinia facility stands as one of the initial large-scale agrivoltaic plants in the nation.
The venture is supported by two 10-year virtual power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Heineken, a global brewing company, and Philips, a global health technology company.
Under the virtual PPAs, Heineken and Philips are financially contributing to the Pontinia’s clean energy output at 64 gigawatt-hours per year and 16 gigawatt-hours per year, respectively. The energy is physically supplied to the Italian grid, and both companies benefit from Guarantees of Origin.
Functioning as an agrivoltaic plant, approximately 65% of the 135 hectares occupied by Pontinia will be dedicated to agricultural cultivation. Cero has partnered with the social farm Fattoria Solidale del Circeo to oversee farming activities.
This social farm offers employment opportunities for vulnerable or socially excluded individuals, instructing them in cultivating crops using biodynamic and fuel-efficient methods. It also aids in the participants’ community reintegration.
Pontinia adopts an innovative financing model, positioning it at the forefront of the transition to subsidy-free solar photovoltaic projects in Italy. Cero’s extensive portfolio encompasses 25 gigawatts across 370 utility-scale projects, making it one of the largest in Europe.
Marta Martinez Queimadelos, Cero Generation chief executive, commented “We’re delighted to see our Pontinia project enter operation and start to produce cleaner, cheaper, and more secure energy for the Province of Latina in the Lazio region.”
“The virtual PPAs with Heineken and Philips and the project’s clever integration with agricultural crops embodies the scale of innovation needed to combat the climate crisis.”
We are a leading global infrastructure and renewables search & recruitment business. Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date on our opportunities and current news. Please get in contact to discuss your hiring needs, salary bench-marking or market information: info@infra-be.com.
Join us on our podcast and subscribe to our newsletter to embark on an enlightening journey through the exciting landscapes of infrastructure and renewable energy. Stay connected, stay informed, and be part of the InfraBe community.
Tune in to our engaging podcast series where we dive deep into the dynamic realm of infrastructure and renewable energy. Join us as we discuss industry trends, innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and insightful interviews with experts and thought leaders. Stay informed and inspired on the go, gaining valuable insights to shape your perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of global infrastructure and renewables.
Stay ahead of the curve with our curated newsletter, delivering a regular dose of industry updates, exclusive content, and noteworthy developments. From project highlights and market analyses to career tips and emerging trends, our newsletter is your comprehensive source for staying informed in the world of infrastructure and renewable energy. Sign up using the form at the top right of this page.
