Nuveen Infra, Exus Renewables tie up for 800 MW battery storage projects in Italy

Italy is set to get a major boost in battery energy storage systems (BESS) with two companies – a clean energy fund and an independent renewables developer – agreeing to co-develop 800 MW of BESS projects in the country's southern region.

Investment company Glennmont Partners, now rebranded as Nuveen Infrastructure, and Exus Renewables have tied up for eight BESS projects in the Puglia region, also home to an EU-backed hydrogen valley. The projects will be of 100 MW capacity each and divided equally between both partners, the companies said in a release. An Italian company specializing in battery storage systems will be appointed as developer for the sites, with construction expected to commence in 2026. The installations will support Italy's renewable energy framework. 

Francesco Cacciabue, global head of clean energy investments at Nuveen Infrastructure said in a release: "As Italy continues its renewable energy transition, battery technology stands to play a hugely important role in supporting established clean energy generators, through its ability to manage intermittency issues and associated price fluctuations.

"The quality of existing battery storage technologies means they are now capable of fulfilling this role, and they will be a critical enabler as Italy and Europe look to meet their clean energy targets," he added. 

Nuveen Infrastructure entered the energy storage market in 2023, when the company announced the construction of a 30 MW BESS project in Finland.

Alfonso Cebrián, Head of international business development at Exus, commented: "This deal marks our first step into expanding our presence in the Italian market, signalling our intent to establish a robust development platform in Italy that is poised to drive future growth and innovation in the region."