Catania, February 03, 2024, The Europe Today: In a significant stride towards enhancing its renewable energy capabilities, Italy has announced a strategic investment of 90 million euros ($97 million) in Enel’s photovoltaic panel factory located in Sicily. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed this commitment on Saturday during her visit to the 3Sun plant in the city of Catania, underscoring the nation’s dedication to becoming a pivotal hub for solar panel production in Europe.
The financial injection is part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering economic recovery and sustainability. Prime Minister Meloni emphasized that the funding will fortify the existing factory while facilitating the establishment of a new production line, propelling Italy towards its goal of becoming a leader in solar panel manufacturing.
“Our bet is for Catania to become one of the most important hubs in solar panel production,” Prime Minister Meloni declared, highlighting the government’s ambition to position Catania at the forefront of Europe’s solar energy sector.
The 3Sun plant, a subsidiary of Enel, is poised for substantial growth. Its current annual production capacity of approximately 200 megawatts (MW) is set to surge to an impressive 3 gigawatts (GW) by the end of the year, albeit with a slight delay compared to Enel’s initial projections in 2022.
Prime Minister Meloni outlined the employment opportunities that this expansion will create, aiming to generate 700 new jobs directly within the 3Sun plant by the end of 2024. Additionally, the project is expected to create an additional 1,000 jobs indirectly through collaborations with companies associated with the solar panel production.
This strategic investment not only aligns with Italy’s commitment to renewable energy but also signifies a step towards achieving the sustainability goals outlined in the European Union’s broader agenda. As the 3Sun plant in Catania undergoes significant expansion, Italy solidifies its position as a key player in the burgeoning field of solar energy production.
