The international firm Qualitas Energy has closed a financing agreement with the Italian developer ACL Energy to promote the construction of a 211 MW portfolio of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Italy. The transaction reinforces the growth of energy storage in Europe and strengthens private equity interest in projects linked to the energy transition.
The portfolio comprises two projects located in Lombardy and Apulia that will incorporate storage systems with autonomy of 4 and 8 hours. Both facilities have guaranteed revenue through 15-year contracts awarded via the Italian Capacity Market and the MACSE auctions focused on energy storage.
Italy accelerates the deployment of energy storage
The agreement stipulates that Qualitas Energy will finance the minority shareholder’s participation in the projects, while ACL Energy and its industrial partner will retain a majority stake. The funds will be used for the construction, commissioning, and operation of the energy assets.
Likewise, capital disbursement will be made as specific construction milestones are reached in each project. Financing will be channeled through the Qualitas Energy Credit Fund, a vehicle that forms part of the company’s credit strategy and already exceeds €370 million in secured commitments.
The operation reflects the growing prominence of BESS systems within the European energy market due to their ability to bring flexibility to the electricity grid and facilitate greater integration of renewable energies.
BESS systems strengthen the European energy transition
Qualitas Energy highlights that there is a growing need for specialized financial solutions for energy projects that require more flexible capital structures than those offered by traditional banks.
José María Arzac, partner and co-head of credit at Qualitas Energy, explained that the investment supports critical energy infrastructure within the European energy transition process. He also noted that energy storage is becoming one of the most attractive segments for credit strategies focused on clean energy.
Severin Hiller, for his part, indicated that battery storage systems contribute to reducing restrictions on renewable generation and strengthen the stability of the electrical system through auxiliary grid services.
ACL Energy accelerates its expansion in the Italian BESS market
For ACL Energy, the transaction represents a significant step in its expansion strategy within the institutional market. Nicola Locascio, co-founder and managing partner of the company, stated that the financial closing demonstrates the technical and operational strength of the Italian platform.
Likewise, Lorenzo Avello stated that battery storage systems have become strategic infrastructure to improve the country’s energy competitiveness and accelerate renewable integration.
The Italian company seeks to develop an independent and scalable energy storage platform capable of generating long-term value and responding to the new needs of the European electricity system.
Qualitas Energy expands its energy credit strategy
Qualitas Energy maintains an active presence in various international markets through investments related to solar, wind, hydroelectric, energy storage and renewable natural gas.
Since 2006, the firm has mobilized over €14 billion in projects related to the energy transition. It currently manages a portfolio of approximately 11 GW of renewable assets distributed across Europe, the United States, and Latin America.
The company believes that the growth of energy storage will be crucial to maintaining grid stability in electrical systems with a greater renewable share in the coming years.
Source and photo: Qualitasenergy