Italy to Host Largest BESS Project with Trina Storage and Aer Soléir's 1 GWh Rondissone Facility

Landmark Energy Storage Project Unveiled in Piedmont

Trina Storage, a global energy storage solutions provider, and Aer Soléir, an Irish renewable energy developer, have finalized an agreement to develop Italy's largest battery energy storage system (BESS) project. Located in Rondissone, near Turin in the Piedmont region, the facility will boast a capacity of 1 GWh (1,000 MWh) and a power output of 250 MW. This landmark project is set to become one of the largest BESS installations under construction in Italy and across Europe.

Strategic Importance for Italy's Energy Transition

The Rondissone BESS project was awarded under Italy's Capacity Market auction for deliveries scheduled in 2027. Its primary objectives include enhancing grid reliability, minimizing curtailment of renewable energy sources, and supporting Italy's ambitious national renewable energy targets. The project is situated within the Italy Nord Power Zone, a strategically important location for energy infrastructure.

Gabriele Buccini, Head of Trina Storage Europe, highlighted Italy as 'one of the most promising markets for energy storage,' citing the interplay of the Capacity Market, the MACSE program, and the rapid expansion of renewable energy in the country. He added that this 1 GWh project signifies the beginning of Trina Storage's long-term commitment to Italy.

Technology and Investment Details

Under the agreement, Trina Storage will supply, deliver, and commission its advanced Elementa 2 Pro battery energy storage system. This comprehensive solution will integrate power conversion systems (PCS), medium-voltage skids, and a power plant controller, designed to provide grid-forming capabilities. The system will comprise 228 battery cabinets and 36 integrated PCS & MV skid enclosures.

Aer Soléir recently announced the completion of financing for the project, with a total cost of approximately €180 million. This financing structure, arranged by Centrus, covers up to 80% of the capital expenditure on a 15-year amortization profile, involving a consortium of banks including Bayern LB, Nord/LB, Siemens Financial Services, CIBC, and ABN AMRO. Manus O'Donnell, Co-Founder and CFO of Aer Soléir, stated, 'This market leading project financing further strengthens Aer Soléir's reputation as a best-in-class renewable energy IPP, and we are well positioned to continue expanding our footprint and supporting Europe's accelerating energy transition.'

Future Outlook and Company Commitments

The Rondissone project marks the first construction phase in Aer Soléir's significant Italian portfolio, which is part of a broader €1.5 billion planned capital deployment in Italy over the next five years, encompassing 17 wind, solar, and battery storage projects. Philip King, COO of Aer Soléir, expressed enthusiasm, noting that 'Rondissone represents the first construction start in our important Italian portfolio and we look forward to working alongside valued partners like Trina Storage.'

Trina Storage will also provide a 20-year Long-Term Service Agreement (LTSA), covering maintenance, spare parts, 24/7 remote support, extended warranties, and performance guarantees. This agreement further strengthens Trina Storage's expanding European portfolio, which now exceeds 4 GWh of contracted projects. Both companies are actively preparing additional projects under Italy's MACSE scheme, reinforcing their long-term commitment to the country's energy transition.