Can Italy make battery storage projects commercially attractive?

“Italy has a clear need for storage, and the enabling market and regulatory mechanisms are being put in place to make battery storage projects commercially attractive.” CIP’s Flagship Fund CI V, completed in March 2025, exceeded its €12bn ($12.9bn) target.

Why is CIP launching large-scale battery projects in Italy?

The development of large-scale battery projects aligns with CIP’s growing focus on energy storage. With Italy’s supportive regulatory environment, the partnership aims to leverage CIP’s expertise to advance its storage infrastructure projects. The move also supports Italy’s aim to meet the nation’s 2030 renewable energy targets.

What are Italy's energy goals?

Italy’s ambitious energy goals, outlined in the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), mark a transformative shift toward renewable energy. By 2030, the country is targeting 28GW of wind power and nearly 80GW of solar capacity, making energy storage essential for ensuring grid stability and maximizing renewable integration.

Is MACSE a business case for grid-scale storage in Italy?

The CM and a new energy storage-only auction scheme called MACSE are set to form the bedrock of the business case for grid-scale storage in Italy, something that consultancy Timera Energy’s director for power market services Steven Coppack said made it unique in Europe (Premium access).

How many electricity markets does Italy have?

Italy has eight electricity market (and price) regions. The BESS figure is a big jump on the CM auctions for 2025 and 2026 delivery years, which saw 80-90MW of BESS capacity awarded contracts in each.