Qair Breaks Ground on 24.2 MWp Italian Castellammare Solar Plant in Sicily

French renewable energy developer Qair has started building the Castellammare photovoltaic project, a 24.2 MWp plant in Sicily, Italy.

The company confirmed the construction launch in announcements issued from Paris and Milan, describing the step as a new phase of its growth in one of its principal European markets.

Contracts signed with SIREOS and Crédit Agricole

Work on site got underway after Qair concluded an Engineering, Procurement and Construction agreement with SIREOS and secured financing from Crédit Agricole.

The plant is scheduled to reach its Commercial Operation Date in July 2027. Qair characterises Castellammare as a concrete contribution to Italy's renewable energy capacity.

Castellammare positioned within a broader Italian strategy

The developer frames the Sicilian plant as proof of its capacity to convert Italy's renewable resources into real production assets, strengthening the country's energy sovereignty. According to Qair, the move also advances a wider strategy centred on Europe and its established core markets, with delivery aligned to its stated roadmap.

Charles Lhermitte, Chief Operating Officer at Qair Group, commented on the launch: "Launching Castellammare is an important milestone in the execution of our strategy in Europe. Italy is one of our key markets, and this project demonstrates our ability to deliver on our commitments."

Italy occupies a prominent position in Qair's European business. The company's portfolio there totals 1.5 GW of wind, solar, and renewable hydrogen initiatives, complemented by a mature pipeline of 2.3 GWh of Battery Energy Storage System projects, which Qair says are designed to tackle grid congestion issues.

Existing Italian assets and projects in development

Qair entered the Italian market in 2019 and maintains offices in Potenza and Milan. Its operating base in the country currently includes a 12.5 MW wind farm at Garessio in Piedmont and a 9 MW solar facility at Marrubiu in Sardinia.

On top of these operating assets, the company is enlarging its Italian footprint with additional projects under development. Among them is a 54 MW solar plant planned at Montalto di Castro in the Lazio region.

Qair says its expanding presence reflects an ambition to act as a long-term partner in Italy's energy transition, backing regional development while fostering innovation, sustainability, and local value creation.

Scale of the wider Qair group

Beyond Italy, Qair is an independent renewable energy company whose activities span the development, financing, construction, and operation of solar, wind, storage, and green hydrogen assets. The group currently runs 1.7 GW of operational capacity, with a further 1 GW-plus either under construction or in the financing stage.

Employing 800 people, Qair is advancing an additional 28 GW pipeline spread across 20 countries in Europe, Latin America, and Africa. The company states its ambition to become an independent leader in responsible energy.