Swiss-based energy company MET Group has successfully commissioned and commenced commercial operations at its Ferrera Erbognone solar power plant in Italy. The project is the first Agri-PV solution in the area.
With an installed capacity of 10 MWp and an expected annual generation of 15 GWh, the Ferrera Erbognone solar park produces enough electricity to power around 6,000 Italian households each year. The commissioning of the plant marks a significant milestone in MET Group’s renewable energy expansion strategy in Italy.
The construction of the solar power plant started in July 2024, and around 16 thousand solar panels were installed on 16 hectares of industrial land. Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) was done by CMC Europe Italy SRL. The offtaker of the electricity generated by the solar park is MET Energia Italia.
MET Group, a leading European energy player, aims to become a major player in the European renewables industry, with Italy earmarked as one of the key markets. MET’s Green Assets Division is actively investing in solar, wind and battery energy storage systems (BESS), with 424 MW of solar and onshore wind projects already in operation across Europe, more than 500 MW renewable projects under development in Italy, and a total of more than 1 GW in the pipeline.
The Ferrera Erbognone solar project is located in a traditional rice-growing region of Italy. The Agri-PV system generates renewable energy whilst allowing for a sustainable agricultural use of the land, providing both economic and environmental benefits to the local communities. In addition, 2,800 plants will be cultivated in a mitigation area 50 metres wide around the solar power plant.
Clive Turton, Executive Chairman of MET Group’s Green Assets commented: “We are delighted with this important milestone in growing our presence in Italy. What pleases me most is that this solar park exemplifies how MET places emphasis on responsible planning and management of natural resources during construction. Within this context, responsible water management is a priority, guaranteeing that water use is socially equitable, environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial.”
The Ferrera Erbognone solar power plant is owned by Keppel MET Renewables (KMR), a 50-50 percent joint venture between Singapore-based Keppel’s Infrastructure Division and MET Group. Cindy Lim, CEO, Infrastructure of Keppel and member of MET Group’s Board of Directors said: “The completion of our first grid-scale Agri-PV project in Western Europe is proof of Keppel’s ability to turn strategy into action. It builds our operational track record in adjacencies to flexible power, while diversifying Keppel’s geographical presence. The Keppel-MET joint venture also exemplifies our asset-light, capital-efficient model – scalable across Europe and enhancing earnings visibility for Keppel.”
MET Group
MET Group is an integrated European energy company, headquartered in Switzerland, with activities and assets in natural gas and power markets. MET is present in 21 countries through subsidiaries, 32 national gas markets, and 44 international trading hubs. The company's 1,350 employees represent close to 60 nationalities. MET has extensive experience operating green (renewable) and flexible (conventional) energy assets, thus providing the widest possible support to energy transition. In 2024, MET Group’s consolidated sales revenue amounted to EUR 17.9 billion, with a total traded volume of natural gas amounting to 140 BCM and total traded electricity of 76 TWh.