- 9.5 MW agrivoltaic plant in Modica expected to avoid ~5,200 tonnes of CO₂ annually while preserving agricultural land use.
- Backed by a 10-year PPA with BKW, reinforcing long-term renewable power supply and price stability.
- Construction will create up to 80 jobs and fund rural safety upgrades, including solar-powered street lighting.
Renewable energy developer Zelestra has begun construction of the 9.5 MWdc Bellomo agrivoltaic solar plant in Sicily, expanding its Italian footprint with a project designed to integrate clean power generation with agricultural productivity and local infrastructure improvements.
The Bellomo plant, Zelestra’s second solar development in Italy and its first agrivoltaic project in Sicily, is expected to prevent approximately 5,200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually once operational. Located near Modica, the project combines photovoltaic generation with active land use, allowing farming and biodiversity initiatives to continue alongside energy production.
Long-Term PPA Anchors Energy Supply
The project is supported by a 10-year power purchase agreement with Swiss energy company BKW. The agreement also includes the recently completed 6.5 MWdc Ginosa solar plant in Puglia, reflecting a growing cross-border renewable energy partnership.
Bianca Sarbu, Managing Director Trading & Origination at BKW, said: “We are pleased that the next step in our successful collaboration with Zelestra is now taking place in Sicily. The long-term renewables agreement between our companies provides a strong and stable framework for delivering clean solar power to Modica. At BKW, we are committed to advancing the energy transition in the Italian market and beyond.”
Long-term PPAs remain a central financing and risk management tool for renewable projects across Europe, providing revenue certainty while enabling corporate buyers and utilities to lock in clean energy supply.
Agrivoltaics Model Balances Energy and Land Use
Designed as an agrivoltaic system, more than 80 percent of the fenced area will remain dedicated to agricultural use. The site will support sheep grazing, native pasture, and a carob tree belt integrated with tracker-mounted solar panels.
Local monitoring and management aim to enhance soil health, support biodiversity, and maintain landscape compatibility, reflecting growing European policy emphasis on dual-use land solutions that reconcile food production with renewable deployment.
Maria Monisteri Caschetto, Mayor of Modica, said: “Any initiative that promotes our territory, without altering its identity, but rather building on it to look toward the future and a more sustainable world will always find us attentive and open to dialogue. The partnership with Zelestra came about naturally and spontaneously, not only because we share a common vision of a better world for future generations, but also for very practical reasons. The plant will be developed on land that will remain largely agricultural; it will be managed locally, and it will generate jobs and clean energy, improving overall conditions in the area. Finally, our collaborative agreement includes the installation of solar-powered street lighting at several rural intersections, enhancing road safety in areas with significant residential presence.”
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Local Economic and Social Benefits
Improving System has been appointed EPC contractor, with construction expected to support up to 80 local jobs. Beyond employment, the project includes social infrastructure investments through Zelestra’s EmPowerS initiative, part of its 3Es strategy focused on Education, Energy and Environment.
In partnership with the municipality, more than 15 solar-powered light poles will be installed at rural intersections to improve road safety and strengthen local infrastructure.
Italy Emerges as Strategic Growth Market
Eliano Russo, Zelestra’s CEO in Italy, said: “Zelestra’s growth in Italy continues to gain momentum, with Bellomo now under construction soon after bringing Ginosa into operation. We are focused on delivering clean energy to BKW on time and on budget, while supporting skilled local jobs and rural development. As we work to double our pipeline in Italy this year, we remain committed to driving sustainable economic growth across the country.”
Italy has become one of Zelestra’s fastest growing markets as the country accelerates renewable deployment to meet EU decarbonization targets and reduce energy import dependence. The company plans to double its current 1.4 GW pipeline of solar and battery storage projects this year. In December 2025, Zelestra secured contracts for nine projects through Italy’s FER X auctions, enabling up to 168 MW of new solar capacity.
For investors and policymakers, Bellomo reflects the convergence of energy security, rural development, and climate mitigation. Agrivoltaic projects such as this offer a replicable pathway for regions seeking to expand renewable capacity without sacrificing agricultural productivity or local identity.
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