UKA Italia said it has received environmental approval for two agrivoltaic projects in Sicily, marking a step forward in its plans to expand renewable energy operations in Italy.
The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Culture granted Environmental Impact and Landscape Approval for the Pesce (42.73 MWp) and Capezzana (55.71 MWp) projects, both located in the municipality of Ramacca. The company said the approvals clear the way for the projects to move toward final authorization and construction.
The projects will use advanced solar modules mounted on tracking systems at a minimum height of 2.1 meters to allow farming activities to continue underneath. With Sicily’s high solar irradiation, the sites are expected to generate more than 2,100 kWh/kWp annually. They will also connect to Italy’s national grid via a new TERNA 380/150/36 kV substation, the company said.
“We are committed to sustainable land use and environmental stewardship. My team is thrilled that our projects will contribute significantly to the clean energy supply,” said Álvaro Sierra Torrón, Managing Director at UKA Italia.
“With Italy being one of UKA’s focus markets, this success underscores our strong commitment to the country’s renewable energy future – a market in which we intend to further invest and grow,” added Maximilian Neef, Head of the International Department at UKA’s headquarters in Germany.
UKA Italia said the next step is to obtain the Sole Authorization (Autorizzazione Unica) for both projects in order to achieve ready-to-build status. The company’s parent, Germany-based UKA Group, has been expanding its international renewables portfolio, and said these agrivoltaic projects highlight the integration of energy production with agriculture.
