ContourGlobal awarded three PV projects in Sicily

ContourGlobal has been awarded three new solar photovoltaic projects in Italy, all located in Sicily, with a total installed capacity of approximately 80MWdc, following the outcome of the national FerX and NZIA tenders. 

These tenders are part of the FerX Transitional framework, a mechanism approved by the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) to support the development and construction of new renewable energy generation capacity.

The awarded projects originate from the LIMES portfolio, acquired by the Group in February 2025, and further strengthen ContourGlobal’s development pipeline in Italy.

FerX and NZIA tenders

Under the tenders awarded by the Italian Energy Services Operator (GSE), ContourGlobal secured 69MWdc under the support schemes, in addition to developing projects with a total installed capacity of approximately 80MWdc. The additional capacity will operate on a merchant basis, outside the tender framework.

The project awarded under the FerX tender involves the construction of a 37MWdc solar PV plant in the province of Trapani, Sicily. Construction is expected to begin next year, with commercial operation planned for 2027.

In addition, ContourGlobal secured two projects under the NZIA (Net Zero Industry Act) procedure, for a combined capacity of 43MWdc, both located in the province of Ragusa, Sicily, with operation also expected in 2027. 

The NZIA tender implements the European Net-Zero Industry Act to promote the deployment of renewable plants that use non-Chinese components, a strategic priority for the EU to try and strengthen their industrial resilience and develop an autonomous renewable supply chain. 

The projects submitted by ContourGlobal under this scheme therefore aims to use European-origin components, including photovoltaic modules and inverters, contributing to the growth of manufacturing both at regional and national level.

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Both the FerX and NZIA tenders are based on the awarding of 20-year Contracts for Difference (CfDs), a mechanism that aims to provide long-term revenue stability by guaranteeing a reference price and reducing exposure to market volatility. The framework facilitates access to financing and accelerates project delivery, while also generating direct benefits for end users: the electricity produced is sold at more stable prices.

Commenting in a release was Antonio Cammisecra, President and CEO of ContourGlobal: “Participation in the NZIA and FerX tenders represents a strategic milestone for ContourGlobal at a global level. 

“These competitive mechanisms allow us to accelerate the deployment of new renewable capacity in key markets, and Italy plays a central role in this strategy.”

ContourGlobal in Italy

With the awards, says ContourGlobal, Italy’s strategic role for the Group’s industrial plan is consolidated. 

Additionally, it reinforces ContourGlobal’s development vision, based on next-generation solar PV, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and revamping and repowering initiatives — key pillars of the company’s Italian strategy.

Said Cammisecra: “We aim to double our presence in the country by 2027 as part of our broader European growth ambitions, and these results confirm the strength of our commitment and our development, engineering, procurement and very shortly construction capabilities.”

Regarding their projects and presence in the country, ContourGlobal cites a structured development pathway combining revamping and repowering initiatives launched in 2024, together with the new capacity secured through recent tenders.

This combined has led the UK-based company to be on track to double its solar PV capacity in Italy by 2027. The company currently operates 71 plants across 14 regions and had an installed capacity of 95MWdc at the start of the programme, which is expected to reach 190MWdc by 2027.

The first phase of revamping and repowering covered approximately half of ContourGlobal’s Italian solar fleet, involving 35 plants for a total of 42MWdc. Once the second phase of repowering activities is completed, expected to increase the performance of the Italian portfolio by more than 33%, ContourGlobal’s installed capacity in Italy is projected to reach approximately 113MWdc by mid-2026. 

This growth will be complemented by the 80MWdc awarded under the FerX and NZIA tenders, which will progressively enter operation, allowing the company to exceed 190MWdc by 2027.

Said Paola Agrati, Country Manager Italy at ContourGlobal: “Mechanisms such as NZIA and FerX are essential to enable the deployment of new renewable capacity in Italy. While they are not incentives, two-way CfDs reduce curtailment risk, stabilise revenues and significantly lower the cost of capital for investors. 

“This translates into more bankable projects, more competitive energy for the system, and a faster rollout of reliable new capacity, while also reinforcing the local industrial ecosystem.”

In 2026, ContourGlobal also expects to start construction of its first BESS projects in Italy, with the Group in parallel preparing to participate in upcoming capacity market and MACSE auctions. 

This effort is supported by a 1.9GW battery storage project portfolio, built through strategic acquisitions from leading industry players over the course of the year. These initiatives further reinforce ContourGlobal’s role in the development of advanced energy storage solutions, building on a particularly significant 2025, during which the Group surpassed 3GWh of operational BESS capacity globally.