RWE has successfully commissioned its first solar plant in Italy, the 8.3MW Bosco ground-mounted solar facility in Partinico, near Palermo in Sicily. The plant consists of approximately 15,000 bifacial modules and is located on a 16-hectare site.
Thanks to Italy's new accelerated permitting process, RWE was able to move the project to a ready-to-build status in less than 18 months. Construction of the plant took approximately 10 months to complete.
In an effort to optimize land use and address grid challenges, the Bosco solar plant is connected to the existing nearby RWE substation in Partinico, which already receives power from local RWE wind farms. Additionally, a wildlife-friendly fence has been installed around the facility to allow safe passage for small animals, such as foxes and rabbits, ensuring minimal disruption to the local ecosystem.
Katja Wunschel, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, commented on the achievement, saying: “With the commissioning of Bosco, our first solar plant in Italy is up and running, with more projects to come. Solar is a perfect match for our growing wind fleet in Italy, as solar and wind complement each other perfectly as their production patterns naturally balance each other.
Wunschel also highlighted the project's efficiency, noting, “Bosco is a flagship project in the field of efficiency, both in terms of the permitting process and grid access. We look forward to the next milestones in our journey to support a clean, stable and cost-effective energy future for Italy.
