MET Group completes Agri-PV solar farm in Italy
Swiss energy company MET Group successfully launches first Agri-PV solar farm in Italy
Swiss energy firm MET Group has successfully commissioned and started commercial operations at the Ferrera Erbognone solar farm in Italy. This project is the first Agri-PV solution in the region.
With an installed capacity of 10 MWp and an expected annual energy output of 15 GWh, the Ferrera Erbognone solar farm generates enough electricity to supply around 6,000 Italian households per year. The farm’s launch marks a significant milestone in MET Group’s strategy to expand its renewable energy presence in Italy.
Construction of the solar farm began in July 2024. Approximately 16,000 photovoltaic panels were installed on 16 hectares of industrial land. Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) were carried out by CMC Europe Italy SRL, and the electricity produced will be supplied to MET Energia Italia.
Italy as a key market
As a leading European energy player, MET Group aims to become a significant force in the European renewable energy sector, recognizing Italy as a key market. The MET Green Asset Division actively invests in solar, wind, and energy storage (BESS) projects, already operating installations with a total capacity of 424 MW in Europe, with over 500 MW of renewable projects under development in Italy, and more than 1 GW in the planning phase.
The Ferrera Erbognone project is located in an Italian region renowned for rice cultivation. The Agri-PV system allows for renewable energy production while sustainably utilizing agricultural land, delivering both economic and environmental benefits to local communities. Additionally, 2,800 plants will be planted in a 50-meter buffer zone around the solar farm.
“We are very pleased with this important step in developing our presence in Italy. What excites me most is that this solar farm exemplifies responsible planning and natural resource management during construction. In this context, water management is a priority to ensure socially equitable, environmentally sustainable, and economically beneficial use of water resources,” said Clive Turton, Chair of MET Group Green Assets.
The Ferrera Erbognone solar farm is part of Keppel MET Renewables (KMR), a joint venture equally owned by Keppel and MET Group.
“Completing our first large-scale Agri-PV project in Western Europe demonstrates Keppel’s ability to turn strategy into action. The project strengthens our operational experience in flexible energy solutions while diversifying Keppel’s geographic presence. The Keppel-MET collaboration also exemplifies our capital-efficient, asset-light model—scalable across Europe and enhancing revenue predictability for Keppel,” added Cindy Lim, Keppel Infrastructure CEO and member of MET Group’s Board of Directors.