/LONDON, July 10, 2026, 11:30 BST, RENEWABLE MARKET WATCH™/ Axpo, in collaboration with e-STORAGE, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc., has entered into a strategic agreement to develop an 8 MW/40 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Rizziconi power plant in Calabria, southern Italy. Construction is scheduled to commence at the end of 2026, with the project expected to begin delivering grid-supporting electricity in early 2028.
This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening Axpo’s energy infrastructure portfolio and advancing energy transition objectives in the Italian market. The BESS installation will leverage the existing grid interconnection and infrastructure at Axpo’s combined-cycle gas power plant in Rizziconi, enabling the facility to provide critical flexibility and balancing services to the regional electricity system. The project will adhere to rigorous safety standards and operational reliability protocols, ensuring seamless integration with both grid and thermal plant operations. This approach will optimise asset utilisation and maximise the value delivered to the Italian energy network.
e-STORAGE will deliver a turnkey solution, integrating nine SolBank 3.0 battery blocks, advanced Power Conversion Systems (PCS), and the proprietary EQ-S energy management system into a unified platform managed under a single point of accountability. The system’s design and installation at the Rizziconi site will further enhance operational flexibility and enable advanced balancing services, aligning with industry best practices for reliability and efficiency.
Axpo Group Head of Batteries & Hybrid Systems Frank Amend said: “We’re excited to begin the construction of our first BESS project in Italy. This will be an important addition to our portfolio as we execute our ambitious BESS strategy to strengthen grid flexibility and advance the energy transition in Europe. We’re also excited to partner with e-STORAGE on this project. Their integrated approach aligns with our commitment to delivering reliable and innovative energy solutions across Europe.”
e-STORAGE President Jeff Roy added: “To enter one of Europe’s most dynamic storage markets through an integrated project like this proves just how effectively our technology can adapt to real grid needs. We’re pleased to begin work with Axpo in Italy, and see this agreement as the foundation for a longer-term partnership supporting customers across Europe.”
The Rizziconi project is a strategic response to the evolving energy landscape in southern Italy, where midday solar generation frequently surpasses grid absorption capacity. The deployment of advanced battery systems to store surplus energy and dispatch it during peak demand periods is pivotal for effective grid management. Calabria, in particular, has historically experienced elevated power costs and constrained grid connectivity relative to northern regions, making this investment in local energy flexibility both timely and valuable for regional economic development.
The e-STORAGE solution will enable the efficient capture and strategic dispatch of surplus solar energy, alleviating pressure on the constrained local grid and contributing to reduced electricity costs for communities in southern Italy. This initiative decreases reliance on energy imports from northern regions and positions Axpo as a leader in advancing regional energy independence. Furthermore, this installation represents the initial phase of a broader, long-term partnership between Axpo and e-STORAGE aimed at scaling battery storage solutions across European markets.
This project marks e-STORAGE’s entry into the Italian market as part of its ongoing European expansion strategy. The SolBank 3.0 battery cells and packs, each with a 5 MWh capacity, will be supplied directly from Canadian Solar’s manufacturing facilities. This integrated supply chain approach ensures complete transparency, compliance, and quality assurance for all stakeholders, reinforcing customer confidence in the reliability and sustainability of the solution.
For more information and answers to your questions about the renewable and battery storage market in Italy and other European countries, and related content, you may read here: Europe Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Market Outlooks 2025 ÷ 2034
In order to download the executive summary brochure with sample pages, please access it here: Europe Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Market Outlook – Sample
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