“We came to talk above all about innovation, that is, we came to talk in particular about new technologies applied to the climate-energy nexus. In this territory that someone has renamed the Etna Valley, the challenge being pursued is to make Catania one of the most important industrial centers in Europe in the production of latest generation and very high performance photovoltaic panels. The Government intends to do its part. I believe we must and want to be competitive in this sector." These are the words of the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during the visit to 3Sun Gigafactory, the group's factory Enel destined to become the by 2024 largest in Europe is preferably used for production of photovoltaic panels very high performance, with a production capacity of 3GW per year and a technology that is unique in the world.
Founded in 2010, 3Sun has emerged as a revolutionary project in the field of solar energy. Through financial support from both private investors and European Union and Italian government funds, the company quickly established its leadership in the production of advanced photovoltaic modules, adopting innovative technologies such as bifacial solar cells and thin film modules. These solutions allow you not only to produce energy more efficiently, but also to reduce the environmental impact associated with solar energy production.
In addition to its positive economic impact, with the job creation and the stimulation of local industry, the company stands out for its environmental commitment. The production of clean and renewable energy is at the heart of 3Sun's mission, underlining the importance of a transition towards sustainable energy sources.
The Enel Gigafactory in the European energy landscape
Despite the successes achieved, the plant has several ahead of it challenges, including international competition and the constant evolution of photovoltaic technologies. To remain at the forefront, "you have to believe in it and work", urges the prime minister.
“The goal is to make the Gigafactory operational, start production, reach a production of five million photovoltaic panels per year. It means, among other things, a employment increase of approximately 709 hires by 2024, plus approximately 1.000 new employees for related activities. It means an impressive investment - this has already been mentioned by those who preceded me - totaling over 700 million euros, of which 520 guaranteed by Enel, the remainder, almost 190 million, by the Innovation Fund of the European Union and the Pnrr ”.
Meloni: “The South must not live on subsidies”
“We must be able to produce the tech which is fundamental to our strategic choices. If we want to be masters of our destiny. It is the reason why we invest even more in this initiative and this project. It is the reason why we are convinced that Italy, in this energy challenge, could even aim to be the energy supply hub for the rest of Europe. It doesn't make much sense - he observes - that while we free ourselves from an energy dependence on Russia we hand ourselves over hand and foot to supply chains that we don't control. We must be able to produce technology that affects our strategic choices to be masters of our destiny."
“On this strategic project, the South, the Southern Italy, has the central role from our point of view. Why? Because I don't want a South that lives on subsidies. I want a South in which there are the tools that allow Southern Italy to compete on equal terms. There is a gap, we need to build the tools that allow us to fill that gap, so that Southern Italy can finally demonstrate its worth without having the discrimination it has had in the past", concluded the prime minister.
