Axpo has signed a ten-year physical tolling agreement with Zelestra for a 207 MW / 830 MWh battery storage project in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, northeastern Italy. Construction is expected to start in 2027, with commercial operation planned for 2028.
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The project will be built, owned and operated by Zelestra, which describes itself as a global multi-technology renewable energy company. Located in one of Italy's most heavily industrialised regions, the installation will support grid flexibility and the integration of growing volumes of renewable generation. Under the agreement, Axpo will provide optimisation services to enable the battery to absorb increasing renewable output while delivering flexibility services to the Italian grid. The deal also locks in a long-term revenue stream for Zelestra.
Axpo's Italian debut
"Flexible generation is a cornerstone of Italy's energy transition," says Simone Rodolfi, Head of Origination and Structured Products at Axpo Italia. "As renewable capacity grows, battery energy storage is essential to ensure grid stability and maximise the value of clean power. This is our first BESS agreement in Italy and we are proud to partner with Zelestra."
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The agreement also positions Zelestra more broadly in the Italian market. "Our agreement with Axpo shows how long-term partnerships with leading energy market participants can accelerate investment in the flexible infrastructure that the country needs," says Eliano Russo, CEO of Zelestra Italy. The company says the project makes it the second-largest owner of authorised battery storage capacity in Italy, at 970 MW across its portfolio. (TF)
