The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Iberdrola, backed by SACE’s Archimede Guarantee, have signed a new €100 million green loan agreement to build a new photovoltaic plant in Italy. This investment represents a significant step towards increasing renewable energy production in Italy and achieving the EU's climate goals. This is the EIB's first SACE-supported operation with Iberdrola.

Operational in 2025 and located in the provinces of Enna and Catania, Sicily, the new photovoltaic plant will have a renewable energy generation capacity of 242.78 MWp, enough to meet the annual needs of approximately 154 000 Italian households. The EIB's financing is 70% backed by SACE's Archimede Guarantee, which provides market-based guarantees for financings and bonds with durations of up to 25 years, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the national system.

EIB Vice-President, Gelsomina Vigliotti, said: “The EIB remains a key partner for Italy in the renewable energy sector. The EIB plays a crucial role in attracting foreign investors to the country with the aim of promoting environmental sustainability, social cohesion and economic growth.”

Alessandra Ricci, SACE CEO, declared: “We are proud to partner with EIB alongside Iberdrola for this paramount investment in Sicily in the renewable sector, a project that will boost productivity, competitiveness and will create new job opportunities. With this aim, since the start of Garanzia Archimede operations last June we have approved over 4.9 billion transactions to enhance Italy’s growth potential.

Valerio Faccenda,CEO of Iberdrola Italy, added: “Thanks to this EIB loan and SACE's support at Iberdrola, we will continue to make progress in Italy's energy transition, with this new renewable project that will allow to produce clean energy equivalent to the consumption of 154 000 homes.”

This project represents a model of sustainable development, combining techno-logical innovation and respect for the environment. The photovoltaic plant will use the latest technologies available, ensuring high energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact. In addition, the construction and management of the plant will create new employment opportunities in local communities, contributing to the economic development of the region.

This operation marks the beginning of a line of collaboration between EIB, SACE, and Iberdrola that will allow this operation to be replicated in the future.