Technological innovation and human capital: our keywords for 2024 and beyond
CEO Andrea Ghiselli draws a balance of the year coming to a close
2024 was a year of growth and challenges for the solar energy sector. Italy set a historic record for the growth of renewable energy capacity (more than 6 GW from solar and wind), with photovoltaics playing an increasingly significant role in the country’s energy mix.
The year has also been shaped by a European macroeconomic environment marked by uncertainty, which continues to impact the energy sector. On top of this, geopolitical challenges have added further complexity. Regulatory uncertainty also persisted, where the many measures passed during the year have influenced the strategic choices of many industry players. Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate further regulatory developments that could have significant implications for the sector. Our priority will be to be ready to seize every opportunity, guiding the industry toward the definition of a clear, stable and enabling legal and regulatory framework.
In this context, EF Solare Italia has chosen to focus its efforts on three key pillars for 2024: technological innovation, operational excellence and human capital. These are the main drivers that enable us to meet the current challenges and seize the opportunities that the future holds, with a clear vision for 2025 and beyond.
Technological innovation
In 2024, we advanced two major research projects in agrivoltaics aimed at defining successful models for integrating technology with local territories.
One tangible example is Symbiosyst, a European research project conducted in collaboration with 18 organizations and coordinated by Eurac Research. Within this project, EF Solare is designing, applying, and field-testing innovative agrivoltaics solutions, including a prototype in Bolzano, which will be ready in early 2025.
Another key initiative is the Scalea project, developed in collaboration with ENEA. This advanced agrivoltaics hub features systems with various technological configurations, equipped with high-efficiency bifacial photovoltaic panels and advanced sensor systems. The energy produced is stored or used to desalinate brackish water for irrigation.
Operational excellence
In 2024, we continued to focus on revamping and repowering projects to make our existing plants increasingly efficient and to install new capacity for the same land use. This allows us not only to improve the performance of the plants, but also to extend their useful life. Our program includes the revamping and repowering of over 400 MW of capacity. In parallel, the construction of new greenfield plants has continued, and in particular the 126 MW Bolarque plant in Spain, which will soon be connected to the grid.
This year we also completed the acquisition of SCS Ingegneria, an important step that allows us to expand our operational capacity and diversify our expertise in the sector.
Finally, we have continued to invest in the digitization of processes through numerous IT projects, which have already enabled us to improve the management of maintenance and safety activities. We will further enhance these initiatives in 2025, continuing on our path of industrial growth.
Human capital
Human capital is the true engine of our company. Our team, now nearly 200 strong, is young, with over 50% under the age of 50. For this reason, we have focused on training programs designed to strengthen technical and managerial skills in a rapidly evolving sector. Diversity and inclusion remain central values for us, with the aim of fostering a work environment where every talent can thrive and contribute to our success.
In 2025, we will strengthen this commitment with new corporate welfare policies and professional development programs, enabling us to attract and retain the best talent in the industry.
Outlook for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, EF Solare Italia has outlined an ambitious roadmap. Our goal is not only to solidify our position as a leading player in the renewable energy sector in Italy but also to continue growing and building a stronger organizational structure.
The challenges ahead are numerous: we must continue to expand our installed capacity, improve the efficiency of existing plants, and consistently innovate by investing in cutting-edge technologies.
We are determined to contribute to the development of a renewable energy system, accelerating the path toward decarbonization with increasingly innovative and high-performing solutions. 2025 will mark a pivotal year for writing a new chapter in our history. Above all, it will be our human capital, combined with technological innovation and operational excellence, that will empower us to achieve these ambitious goals.
Andrea Ghiselli
CEO of EF Solare Italia