ABB’s $25 Million Solar Order in Italy: A Milestone in Renewable Energy
In June 2011, ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, secured a significant $25 million solar power plant order for Solar. All for projects in Italy. This development marked a crucial step. Especially in the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure in the country.
Key Details of the Project:
- Client: Etrion Corporation, a Switzerland-based independent solar power producer.
- Scope: Two photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants with a combined capacity of 10 megawatts (MW).
- Location: Puglia region of Italy, near Brindisi and Mesagne.
- Project Name: Helios ITA3
- Expected Completion: August 2011
- Annual Generation Capacity: Up to 16.8 gigawatt-hours of electricity
- Environmental Impact: Avoidance of approximately 6,700 tons of CO2 emissions per year

ABB’s Responsibilities:
- Design and engineering
- Erection and civil works
- Commissioning of the plants
- Connection to the local power grid
- Delivery of turnkey electrical and control solutions
This notable project showcased ABB’s expertise in renewable energy solutions. Furthermore, its ability to deliver complex projects within tight timeframes. The company’s commitment to minimizing power losses and also maximizing efficiency. For it was evident in the high-quality equipment provided. That’s including high-efficiency inverters and also reliable dry-type transformers.
Financial and Operational Aspects:
Etrion Corporation is the project owner. They expected the Helios ITA3 parks to receive a feed-in tariff of €0.25 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). That’s also plus the market price of approximately €0.08 per kWh. This guaranteed purchase price from the Italian government for 20 years. Because from the start of operations provided a stable financial foundation for the project 3.
In addition, the ABB solar power plant is 10 MW. It was also anticipated to generate €4.6 million in earnings. That’s before interest, taxes, depreciation, and also amortization (EBITDA) per year for Etrion 3. To expedite construction, Etrion also secured a €28 million bridge loan. It’s from its major shareholder, the Lundin family 3.
Global Impact and Industry Trends:
This project was part of a larger trend in the solar industry. In 2010 alone, ABB executed 16 photovoltaic power plants in southern Europe. That’s with a total installed capacity of about 100 MW 1. The company’s success in Italy also demonstrated the growing importance of solar power in the global energy mix. It further highlighted ABB’s role in facilitating both the generation and integration of renewable energies into power grids.
Sources:
1https://new.abb.com/news/detail/13347/abb-wins-50-million-solar-order-in-italy
2https://www.energytrend.com/news/20110610-1514.html
3 https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2011/06/08/1437087/0/en/Etrion-Engages-ABB-for-10-MW-Solar-Project.html

