Zelestra has begun construction on the 9.5 MWdc Bellomo solar plant in Modica, Sicily – its first agrivoltaic development on the island and second Italian project overall.
Secured under a 10-year PPA with BKW, which also covers the recently commissioned 6.5 MWdc Ginosa plant in Puglia, the project uses tracker-mounted PV arrays elevated to preserve over 80% of the site for sheep grazing, native pastures and carob trees, boosting soil health and biodiversity.
The scheme introduces Zelestra’s EmPowerS initiative under its 3Es (Education, Energy and Environment) social impact framework, adding solar-powered streetlights at rural intersections in partnership with Modica Municipality to enhance road safety.
Zelestra’s CEO in Italy, Eliano Russo, said the project reflects Zelestra’s goal of expanding its current 1.4 GW pipeline of solar and battery storage projects this year, including 168 MW secured through the December 2025 FER X auction, across nine projects. Meanwhile, Bianca Sarbu of BKW Trading & Origination highlighted the PPA’s importance in supporting a stable clean energy supply during Italy’s energy transition.
Modica’s Mayor Maria Monisteri Caschetto praised the dual-use approach for sustaining agriculture while delivering jobs and infrastructure gains, aligning with Zelestra’s multi-technology push in one of its fastest-growing European markets.
