Once completed the project can power more than 68,0000 homes and avoid more than 101,000 CO2 tonnes annually.
DRI, the EU renewables arm of DTEK, has taken an important next step on the acquisition of a portfolio of four solar power projects in Sardinia, Italy, from Spanish developer Enerland.
The two companies reached first close on an acquisition that will ultimately result in DRI holding full ownership of four agrivoltaic projects with a total installed capacity of 166MWp located in the Nuoro Province in Sardinia. Once completed the project can power more than 68,000* homes and avoid more than 101,000 CO2** tonnes annually.
John Stuart, CEO, DRI, said: “Italy is one of DRI’s key markets. We see huge potential to build out our renewable energy and battery storage portfolio here, and contribute to the country’s energy transition and its national and EU targets. Our acquisition of four solar projects will also allow us to combine energy production from renewable sources with agricultural activities, generating economic development for local communities and fostering energy independence. I thank Enerland for being a great partner”.
Manuel Balet and Javier Gil, CEOs, Enerland Group, stated: “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with DRI, whose vision as a long-term investor aligns perfectly with ours. This partnership represents the foundation for what we are confident will be a remarkable journey together in many more projects and geographies”.
With this acquisition, DRI consolidates its presence in Italy where it aims to build 2GW of renewable energy and battery storage projects by 2030. DRI currently has seven agrivoltaics projects in various stages of development in its portfolio that will have a planned total installed capacity of more than 500MWp across Molise, Puglia and Sardinia.
Alongside its operations in Italy, DRI is developing solar, onshore wind, and storage system projects in Croatia, Poland, and Romania, and has a portfolio of over 1.3GW as of December 2024.
DRI’s strategy is to build and operate renewable power plants and storage systems through the acquisition of greenfield projects and portfolios (from early-stage to ready-to-build) and partnering with local developers.
–
The photo captures the moment when DRI and Enerland CEOs signed the SPA for a 166MWp solar portfolio in Sardinia, Italy, back in October in London, UK
* Based on Statista household prices of electricity in Italy from 2008 to 2023
**Based on Statista, Carbon intensity of the power sector in the European Union in 2021