As energy storage becomes the linchpin of grid flexibility and resilience, ContourGlobal is scaling its footprint in Italy with a 1.6 GW portfolio of battery energy storage system (BESS) projects—representing nearly 9.5 GWh of capacity. The KKR-owned developer is preparing for the country’s landmark MACSE auctions, set to allocate long-duration storage contracts this September.
The newly acquired portfolio includes:
The combined assets are distributed across multiple capacity zones to align with Italy’s strategic goals under the MACSE (Meccanismo di Approvvigionamento di Capacità di Stoccaggio Elettrico) procurement mechanism. Once operational, the projects will contribute to Italy’s 2030 target of deploying 50 GWh of grid-connected storage, supporting the integration of renewables and reduction of fossil-based balancing capacity.
“We’re building a pipeline of 10 GWh to accelerate the sustainable transformation of Italy’s electricity system,” said Antonio Cammisecra, President and CEO of ContourGlobal.
Beyond Italy, ContourGlobal is executing a multi-continent storage strategy:
The company is also deploying BESS solutions at existing industrial sites—including the Maritsa East 3 plant in Bulgaria, where a 500 MWh system is under construction—leveraging legacy infrastructure to fast-track storage development and hybridization with future PV assets.
The MACSE auctions aim to secure 10 GWh of storage in their first phase across six national zones, offering 15-year contracts. ContourGlobal’s advanced-stage projects place it among the frontrunners in this regulatory milestone for Italy, where long-duration storage (6–10 hours) is now critical to replacing fossil-fuel backup during evening peak demand.
This regulatory clarity, paired with Italy’s decarbonization goals and the company’s diversified global experience, solidifies ContourGlobal’s role as a central actor in accelerating clean energy transitions through scalable storage infrastructure.
