Swiss energy company MET Group has successfully launched and commenced commercial operations of the Ferrera Erbognone photovoltaic farm in Italy. This project is the first Agri-PV solution in the region.
With an installed capacity of 10 MWp and expected annual energy production of 15 GWh, the Ferrera Erbognone solar farm generates sufficient electricity to power approximately 6,000 Italian households per year. The farm’s launch represents a significant milestone in MET Group’s expansion strategy in the renewable energy sector in Italy.
Construction of the solar farm began in July 2024. Approximately 16,000 photovoltaic panels were installed across 16 hectares of industrial land. Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) was carried out by CMC Europe Italy SRL. The energy generated by the farm is offtaken by MET Energia Italia.
MET Group, a leading European energy market player, aims to become a significant player in the European renewable energy sector, recognizing Italy as one of its key markets. MET Green Asset Division actively invests in photovoltaic, wind and battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects, already operating installations with a combined capacity of 424 MW across Europe and having over 500 MW of renewable energy projects in the development phase in Italy, as well as a total of over 1 GW of projects in preparation.
The Ferrera Erbognone project is located in an Italian region renowned for rice cultivation. The Agri-PV system enables renewable energy generation while maintaining sustainable agricultural use of the land, bringing both economic and environmental benefits to local communities. Additionally, 2,800 plants will be planted in a 50-meter-wide buffer zone around the solar farm.
“We are very pleased with this important step in developing our presence in Italy. What pleases me most is that this solar farm is an example of responsible planning and management of natural resources during construction. In this context, responsible water management is a priority to ensure socially equitable, environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial use of water resources,” comments Clive Turton, Chairman of MET Group Green Assets.
The Ferrera Erbognone solar farm is owned by Keppel MET Renewables (KMR), a joint venture company established jointly by Keppel and MET Group with equal shareholding.
“The completion of our first large-scale Agri-PV project in Western Europe confirms Keppel’s ability to translate strategy into action. This project strengthens our operational experience in flexible energy-related areas while diversifying Keppel’s geographical presence. The Keppel-MET collaboration also exemplifies our capital-efficient operations in an asset-light model – scalable across Europe and increasing revenue predictability for Keppel,” added Cindy Lim, Chief Executive Officer of Keppel Infrastructure and member of MET Group’s Board of Directors.
