Solarplaza Summit Italy

Wednesday 12 July 2023

19:30

Pre-Conference Networking Event

Get to know your fellow attendees, speakers, partners and advisory board members ahead of our summit! Enjoy a night of food, drinks, and networking at Baja, in the heart of Rome.

The Networking Event will take place at Baja Roma

Thursday 13 July 2023

Program

08:30

Registration & Welcome Coffee

30 min.

09:00

Welcome Words by Solarplaza

15 min.

Nicola Kopij Zanin

Solarplaza

Session 1

Navigating the Italian PV Market

09:15

Key updates on the Italian PV market

presentation

30 min.

Italy has been a major player in the European solar PV market since the early 2000s, and the country has made strong commitments to renewable energy. This presentation will offer insights into the current state of the Italian PV market, and provide valuable information for individuals and organizations interested in investing or operating in the Italian solar energy sector.

What is hot in the market?
Overview of ongoing and upcoming market trends
Status of projects and investments in the pipeline
Overview of the current market split (residential/C&I/utility-scale)
Assessing the cost competitiveness of solar in Italy

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Paolo Rocco Viscontini

ITALIA SOLARE

09:45

Case Study: The Balancing Power of Storage Applications in Italy

presentation

30 min.

2022 proved to be a milestone for storage deployment in Italy, with lithium-ion technologies taking the lead. Learn about the power of Solar-Plus-Storage projects in Italy and gain valuable insights into Italy's journey toward becoming one of Europe's most active large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) markets.

The transformative potential of storage applications in Italy
Regulatory approval of new grid storage-specific auction rules

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Fabrizio Bonemazzi

Independent RE Expert and Market Advisor

Fabrizio Bonemazzi is an energy expert with a 30+ experience in electric grids and power generation, in particular variable renewables such as wind and solar. From the year 2000 he participated to the creation of a startup company in Enel Group dedicated to beyond the meter solutions. In this stimulating environment he acquired technical, commercial and marketing skills on retail and C&I products and installations and such as HVAC systems, heating systems, lighting, UPS, power line broadband solutions and many other similar. He dealt with solar thermal, solar PV and mini wind solutions having the possibility to scout worldwide market and selecting more innovative and competitive solutions. In those years a special passion for solar PV arose in him, entering in contact with the main stakeholders of the market, being part of solar association at national and European level, having the opportunity to cover specific roles and to be co-author of several articles and publications. In 2011 he joined Enel Green Power, moving to large utility scale renewable plants. He had the opportunity to head the Solar PV design unit and after the entire engineering unit at global level, taking care of 100 GW+ design of renewable plants worldwide. In 2019 he took care of the construction of wind, solar and BESS plants in Europe for almost 2 GW. In addition, from 2015 he had the opportunity to be part of Global Sustainable Energy Partnership alliance (GSEP) as project committee responsible for ENEL and from 2018 lecturer in Open Africa Power Enel Foundation initiative. On September 2022 he left ENEL and began to collaborate with several organizations as renewable energy and power sector expert. From October 2022 he currently works in Res4Africa Foundation coordinating its numerous training and capacity building initiatives and as Senior Fellow for ENEL Foundation.

10:15

Morning Networking Break

At our conference last year, an impressive 95% of attendees were able to make valuable business connections.

Session 2

Large scale Project Development Outlook in Italy

11:00

Permitting in Italy: What developers should look out for

presentation

30 min.

In recent years, the development of solar PV permitting in Italy has advanced significantly. The Italian government has been actively promoting renewable energy, and the permitting process has been streamlined to encourage investment in solar PV projects.

In this session, we will share the latest changes in these areas that are imperative for developers to stay compliant with regulations, manage their budgets, and plan project timelines effectively.

Expected timeline for permitting process
New permits and the new VIAs
Overview of where permitting requests are granted

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Tommaso Barbetti

Elemens

11:30

Large Scale Project Development Strategies to Maximize Value

panel

60 min.

During this slot, the focus will be on discussing the best practices and challenges in developing solar projects in Italy. The session will cover topics such as project financing, permitting, and regulatory hurdles. Participants will gain insights from industry experts on how to navigate these challenges to successfully develop solar projects in Italy.

moderator

Sara Di Mario

Hazel New Energy

Sara Di Mario

Founder

Hazel New Energy

Entrepreneur and Executive with a wide knowledge of electricity market dynamics and passionate about sustainability. Pioneer of Renewable energy sector that she joined nearly fifteen years ago holding C-level roles in two different top European companies. She runs Hazel New Energy, active in investments and advisory services in the Energy Transition sector, and she can rely on her previous wide experience as COO in the European Energy & Infrastructure sector having managed two of the biggest European renewable energy portfolios. In particular she has been in charge of EF Solare Italia’s (F2i group) portfolio, that she drove from the start-up phase to nearly 1GW over 300 sites and 4B€ of solar assets under management, and of Green Arrow Capital’s portfolio, where she led the operational transition to 400MW and 1.6B€ of renewable energy – wind, solar, hydro and mini-hydro, biogas and biomethane - assets under management throughout Europe. She previously held roles in Engie, Kearney and took part in a start up in the solar sector. Strongly focused and skilled in Operations, M&A processes, Portfolio Growth and Improvement, Post-Merger Integration and Technological Innovation.

Giuseppe Mastropieri

GreenGo Srl

Alberto Arcioli

Aquila Clean Energy

Pietro Felici

Iqony Sens

Italo Rubeo

DVP Solar

Workshop

PPAs

11:00

How to Structure a Profitable PPA Contract as a Developer

30 min.

This workshop will provide a deep dive into Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in Italy. PPAs are a key component of solar project development, as they provide long-term revenue streams. The session will cover topics such as PPA structures, key contractual terms, and pricing considerations. Participants will learn about best practices for negotiating PPAs in Italy and gain insights on the current state of the PPA market.

Dario Gallanti

Our New Energy

12:30

Networking Lunch

Our networking app makes it easy to schedule one-on-one meetings with any of the over 250 attendees and 25+ speakers!

Session 3

The Financial Ecosystem of Italian PV projects

14:00

How to Secure Project Financing in an Inflationary Environment

panel

45 min.

Solar PV financing has become increasingly important in Italy as more investors are looking to participate in the solar energy market. Several financing options are available in Italy, including financing products from commercial banks and new investment funds that specialize in renewable energy projects. However, attracting financing for large-scale solar projects requires careful planning and a comprehensive understanding of the risks involved. Understanding the key financing terms from banks and learning about recent M&A transactions can assist developers and investors in crafting successful financing proposals for solar projects.

Financing strategies: from commercial banks to new, up-and-coming investment funds
What makes a project attractive to financiers?
Overview of recent M&A transactions
Inventory of the key financing terms from the banks
Are investors willing to commit to pure merchant projects?
Hedging short & long term risks

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moderator

Alessandro Cohen

Armon Capital Advisory

Raffaele Ciotta

Glennmont Partners

Luca Matrone

Intesa Sanpaolo

Luca Matrone

MD, Head of Energy, IMI Corp. & Inv. Banking

Intesa Sanpaolo

Luca Matrone is a seasoned manager with more than 25 years of corporate finance experience in the global energy space. Since 2017 he is the Head of Industry Energy in the Global Corporate department of the IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division of Intesa Sanpaolo, the largest bank in Italy and one of the largest bank in Europe. Luca is responsible for coordinating the coverage and the commercial efforts vis-a-vis approximately 400 companies operating worldwide in the Power & Utilities and in the Oil & Gas sectors. Luca was formerly the head of Energy in the M&A team of Banca IMI, the investment banking arm of Intesa Sanpaolo group, that he joined in 2000. Luca serves as Vice-Chair in the Environment and Energy committee of the Business at OECD. He was a member of the Energy/Sustainability taskforces at B20 Saudi Arabia, B20 Italy, B20 Indonesia, B20 India and he is currently a member of the Energy Transition & Climate Task Force at B20 Brazil. Luca is a regular contributor to articles in the press related to energy themes and he has been invited to speak at several conferences organized by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, Assoprevidenza, ANIE, Elettricità Futura, AGICI, Cesef, Solarplaza, Europe Solar + Energy Storage, Solar Media. Luca graduated in Business Administration from Bocconi University in 1998.

Paolo Raia

RWE Renewables

Lorenzo Parola

Parola Associati

Lorenzo Parola

Founding and Managing Partner

Parola Associati

Lorenzo Parola is Founding and Managing Partner of the recently-established law firm Parola Angelini. Lorenzo is both admitted to the Italian Supreme Court and as a Solicitor of England and Wales. He is one of the leading energy and energy technology lawyers in Italy. Mr Parola advises infrastructure funds, utilities and oil majors in domestic and cross-border M&A transactions in the oil & gas, power, renewables, energy efficiency and energy technology sectors. He has a substantial track-record on permitting, contractual and regulatory issues related to the development of power projects and gas infrastructures, including CCGT and renewables plants, LNG regasification terminals, gas storages, pipelines and merchant lines. He is recognized an unparalleled expertise in industry specialty contacts such as tolling arrangements, power purchase agreements, take-or-pay gas sales agreements, pipeline transportation agreements, EPC contracts, energy efficiency contracts, physical and financial energy trading, including CO2 and green certificates trading. He is regularly instructed, either as counsel or arbitrator, in the context of national and international arbitrations pertaining to gas sales agreements and in the construction sector. He is a Visiting Professor at various masters and advanced university courses (Master Course in Energy and Finance and Master in Energy Management – Corso di Alta Formazione in Energia e Finanza and Master Energy Management of MIP – Business School Polytechnic of Milan; II Level Master in Energy Efficiency and Industrial Sustainability – Master di II livello in Efficienza Energetica e Sostenibilità nell’Industria of Turin Polytechnic; Master in Energy Resources Managament – Master in Gestione delle Risorse Energetiche of SAFE).

14:45

How can the Italian PPA Market Catch Up in Europe

panel

45 min.

While there are challenges to developing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in Italy, such as regulatory uncertainty and grid connection issues, the market is expected to continue to grow as more corporations look to reduce their carbon footprint and secure long-term energy supplies.

Obtain comprehensive knowledge from our esteemed panel of expert speakers on the current practices and practical examples of PPAs in Italy.

The standard for PPAs in Italy
Managing more merchant risk in new financing schemes
The expected trends in the Italian PPA market
Proven ways to approach corporates and offtakers

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moderator

Carlo Montella

Green Horse Advisory

Carlo Montella

Managing Partner and Co-Founder

Green Horse Advisory

Carlo Montella is a partner at Orrick and global Deputy Business Unit Leader of the Energy and Infrastructure practice. He is a transactional lawyer with extensive experience in project development, asset acquisitions and financings in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Carlo has strong expertise and consolidated background in assisting international sponsors, multinational energy companies, large private equity funds, project developers, borrowers and debt issuers, investment banks and other capital providers and investors who value his contribution thanks to his vast experience, practical know how and willingness to go the extra mile for his client. Carlo regularly advises on energy sector mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, development, structuring and financing of large-scale energy and infrastructure projects, both in Italy and internationally (including UK and Eastern European countries). He has a significant experience in the electric power sector, wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and other renewable energy projects and has also represented clients in transactions involving electric power and natural gas transmission.

Virginia Canazza

MBS Consulting

Filippo Stefanelli

Acea Group

Roberto Ferrari

ENGIE

Roberto Ferrari

Head of Bus. Dev. & Sustainability

ENGIE

Roberto is the Head of Business Development & Sustainability at ENGIE Italia. He started his career as Environmental Engineer in the italian gas energy sector, first at Edison in 2000 and then in Enel in 2002 successfully modeling and optimizing the gas portfolio and supporting long term gas supply negotiations. He joined the Engie Group within the former local JV AceaElectrabel in 2007 where he was responsible for Gas Supply and Portfolio Optimization. Since 2011 he successfully contributed to the consolidation of Engie in Italy, leading Global Energy Management Italian Origination business for power, gas and environmental attributes as from 2015. He has overseen, structured and negotiated innovative contracts in third party asset management, long term virtual power plant, energy management solutions, green power. In the recent years he has taken up the challenge of the business development and sustainability, leading the negotiations and the structuring of innovative solutions on upstream and downstream PPAs, paving the way for biomethane, green gas, green hydrogen projects and leading transversally the green power European business in the global energy management.

Stefano Cavriani

EGO Energy

Alessandro Savini

Trailstone Renewables

15:30

Afternoon Networking Break

Whether you're looking to connect with professionals from a specific sector or want to build relationships across the entire solar PV value chain, our event offers a unique chance to engage with experts from across the industry.

Session 4

Asset Optimization Strategies

16:15

Best Practices for Module Technologies and Applications

presentation

20 min.

During this presentation, you will acquire knowledge about the latest module technologies and how they can be applied to different solar applications, such as rooftop installations and utility-scale projects. We will cover topics such as module efficiency, durability, and reliability. By learning about the best practices for selecting the right module technology for a specific project, participants will gain a competitive edge in their work.

Shawn Shen

LONGi

16:35

EPC & Asset Management landscape for Italian utility-scale PV plants

panel

45 min.

EPC companies influence the design, installation, and commissioning of solar PV projects in Italy. They play a critical role in ensuring that these projects are constructed on time, within budget, and up to the required quality standards. On the other side of the commissioning line, solar PV asset management has become increasingly important in Italy as the size and complexity of solar PV plants continue to grow. The industry has witnessed the emergence of innovative solutions that can help optimize plant performance and streamline operations, such as predictive maintenance, AI-based monitoring, and remote asset management tools. This session goes deeper into the interplay and connection between EPCs and Asset Management, highlighting how an asset manager’s mindset during the development and construction phases can make life a lot easier further down the line.

CAPEX analysis and breakdown for Italian utility-scale plants
Revamping & Repowering scenarios and applications
How existing assets can be upgraded to improve efficiency
Analyzing component choice in relation to increasing installed capacity and annual production
Overview and price comparison of the latest technologies available to asset managers

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moderator

Nicola Kopij Zanin

Solarplaza

Giacomo Dachille

SunGAP

Annarita Mitola

Studio Tecnico BFP

Fabrizio Mellini

Alectris

Davide Cazzulo

PVcase

17:20

Closing Remarks

presentation

10 min.

Nicola Kopij Zanin

Solarplaza

17:30

Networking Drinks

As you mingle and build your network, be sure to take a moment to enjoy a refreshing soft drink,
glass of wine, or cold beer. While Italian solar PV experts represented 60% of our attendees last year,
there will be plenty of opportunities to connect with professionals from our global network, which
includes countries such as Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, the Netherlands, and beyond.

Solarplaza Summit | Italy

Registration & Welcome Coffee

Welcome Words by Solarplaza

Navigating the Italian PV Market

Key updates on the Italian PV market

Case Study: The Balancing Power of Storage Applications in Italy

Large scale Project Development Outlook in Italy

Permitting in Italy: What developers should look out for

Large Scale Project Development Strategies to Maximize Value

PPAs

How to Structure a Profitable PPA Contract as a Developer

The Financial Ecosystem of Italian PV projects

How to Secure Project Financing in an Inflationary Environment

How can the Italian PPA Market Catch Up in Europe

Asset Optimization Strategies

Best Practices for Module Technologies and Applications

EPC & Asset Management landscape for Italian utility-scale PV plants

Closing Remarks