Switzerland based infrastructure fund manager SUSI Partners has launched an Italian solar platform with a mandate to establish a 500 MW project portfolio of solar assets, through its flagship equity fund Energy Transition Fund (SETF).
Set up in partnership with 'a dedicated senior management team from an experienced clean energy developer', the Italian venture is planned to develop, build and operate middle to large-scale solar PV assets. SUSI Partners will work closely with the management team to develop and operate the utility scale solar PV assets.
On zeroing in on Italy to expand its solar portfolio in Europe, SUSI Partners pointed at the rising carbon and gas prices supporting market electricity prices along with high solar potential in the continent as the fundamental drivers for the technology's growth here.
Italy also aims to have renewable energy accounting for 30% of the country's final gross energy consumption by 2030 under its National Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRP).
"In a market characterized by high development premiums for ready-to-build assets, SUSI's platform with a dedicated development and operating team on the ground will benefit from low development costs and further savings across the value chain," stated the fund manager.
Through SETF, SUSI Partners recently acquired 50% interest in Australia's Starling to support integrated solar and storage systems for residential segment (see SUSI Acquires 50% Of Starling Energy).