Italy Gains Major Battery Storage Project

German energy company EnBW and Spanish firm Zelestra agreed to a 300 MW storage project in Emilia Romagna, Italy. The deal centers on a portion of Zelestra’s larger 500 MW storage project.

Zelestra will construct and manage the facility while EnBW will purchase the capacity for long-term use through a tolling agreement, meaning EnBW pays for usage rights without owning the plant. The 2 GWh project is slated to begin construction in 2027 and become operational in 2028.

Developers cite strong industrial electricity demand, growing renewable energy penetration, and a need for grid flexibility in the region as key drivers. EnBW, with 31,500 employees, plans to invest up to 50 billion euros by 2030, prioritizing renewables.

Zelestra aims to double its current 1.4 GW project pipeline in Italy this year, and sees Italy as a rapidly growing market. The partnership seeks to accelerate renewable energy integration and strengthen the Italian power grid.