Zelestra Launches Full Operations At 6.5 MW Ginosa Solar Plant In Italy, Producing 11.7 GWh Annually And Cutting 3,700 Tons Of CO2

Zelestra, a global renewable energy company with expertise across multiple technologies, has announced the start of full commercial operations at its 6.5 MWdc Ginosa solar plant in Puglia, Italy. This marks the first fully operational project in Zelestra’s Italian portfolio, which includes over 1.4 GW of solar and battery storage projects across the country. The Ginosa project is an agrivoltaic development that supported around 50 jobs during construction and forms part of a broader collaboration with BKW Energy through a 10-year power purchase agreement. In addition to Ginosa, the agreement includes the Bellomo agrivoltaic project in Modica, Sicily, which will have an installed capacity of 9.5 MWdc.

Situated in the province of Taranto, the Ginosa plant is expected to generate 11.7 GWh of clean electricity annually. This output is sufficient to power approximately 4,000 Italian homes while avoiding nearly 3,700 tons of CO2 emissions each year, contributing to Italy’s transition toward a more sustainable energy mix. Bianca Sarbu, Head of Trading and Origination at BKW, highlighted the importance of strong partnerships in accelerating renewable energy deployment. She said that the successful operationalization of Ginosa demonstrates how collaboration can expand clean energy in the system, helping to shape the future of Italy’s energy landscape.

Eliano Russo, Zelestra’s CEO in Italy, emphasized that 2026 will be a year of significant growth for the company in the country. He noted that bringing Ginosa online required careful planning, design, consultation with local communities and authorities, and the support of BKW. With Ginosa operational, Zelestra plans to double its 1.4 GW development pipeline this year, complete the Bellomo project, and begin construction on several other projects secured during last year’s FER X auctions. Italy has become one of Zelestra’s fastest-growing markets.

The company recently finalized its first green financing agreement in the country, valued at approximately 13 million euros, covering the Ginosa and Bellomo projects. In December 2025, Zelestra secured contracts for nine additional projects through Italy’s FER X auctions, which will allow for the construction of up to 168 MW of new solar capacity. In addition to solar projects, Zelestra has announced an initial offtake agreement for a large-scale 2 GWh battery energy storage system in northern Italy, which will be among the largest battery storage projects in Europe. These developments underline Zelestra’s commitment to driving renewable energy growth and supporting Italy’s transition to a more sustainable and flexible energy system.