Altea Green Power is an independent renewable energy producer (IPP) based in Italy, managing a broad portfolio of projects while aiming to consolidate its leadership in the energy storage market. According to company representatives, the goal is to reach 5 GW of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects by 2028 and increase this figure to 7 GW by 2030, capturing 10% of the potential market in Italy.
Currently, Altea Green Power oversees a portfolio contracted with investors exceeding 3.5 GW in Italy, including 0.7 GW of wind and photovoltaic projects, with the remainder in the BESS sector.
«In addition, we have projects at less advanced stages of development, totaling an additional 2 GW of BESS storage,» said Salvatore Guarino, General Manager of Altea Green Power, in an interview with Energía Estratégica España.
Looking ahead to 2030, Altea Green Power also plans to build its own photovoltaic generation plants with storage. The target is to achieve over 90 MW by 2028 and 150 MW by 2030. This strategy underscores its commitment to the energy transition and its focus on integrated solutions that combine generation and storage.
The company has an international presence in the United States through a joint venture, in which it holds a 25% stake. Within this partnership, Altea Green Power is developing storage projects with a target of 1.4 GW over the next three years.
Altea Green Power is dedicated to co-developing renewable projects, primarily in the wind, photovoltaic, and BESS sectors. It handles all stages of development, from site identification and grid connection applications to construction permits. However, Guarino adds, «We also have a business unit focused on plant construction (EPC), plant commissioning, and energy efficiency for high-consumption industries.»
The Rise of Energy Storage in Italy
Energy storage is one of the fastest-growing areas in Italy’s renewable energy sector. According to estimates from the national grid operator, Terna, the country could reach 70 GW of storage capacity by 2030. In this context, Altea Green Power prioritizes the development of strategic plants that not only ensure competitive returns on investment but also enhance the stability of the power grid.
«Plants located at strategic grid nodes offer a unique opportunity to maximize performance and ensure the energy system’s security,» emphasized a company representative. The technology selected for storage projects includes lithium batteries with capacities ranging from 2 to 4 hours, reinforcing its focus on high-efficiency solutions.
Renewable Energy and Its Challenges in Italy
Italy remains an attractive market for renewable energy development. Offshore wind power, BESS storage, and photovoltaic systems with integrated storage lead the development areas with the greatest potential. However, the nascent Energy Communities market could generate significant returns in the medium to long term, according to the company.
Challenges persist, though. «The main challenge in Italy remains the length of the authorization process, which creates uncertainty for investors,» Guarino warned.
Despite this, strategic BESS projects benefit from a more streamlined process. «We managed to obtain the first major authorization for a project exceeding 250 MW in less than 24 months, and we anticipate a similar timeline for other BESS projects in the near term,» the executive noted, highlighting the effectiveness of this pathway in accelerating development.
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