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Elise Trottein
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Lille, 09/06/2026 – Ciel & Terre announces the start of construction of the Ghiaro 3 floating photovoltaic project, located in Italy, in the Piedmont region, Province of Vercelli, Municipality of Crescentino. With a capacity of 5.8 MWp, this project marks a key milestone for the group, as it is its first full floating scope project in Italy, including the supply, engineering, and construction of the floating photovoltaic power plant.
In a context of increasing land-use pressure and growing demand for sustainable energy solutions, floating solar is a relevant answer by making possible the use of water surfaces while limiting land artificialization. Italy benefits from many artificial water bodies and hydraulic infrastructures suitable for FPV development. In particular, Northern Italy, such as along the Po Valley where there are former quarry lakes, can provide favourable conditions for floating solar installations.
Although the Italian floating photovoltaic market is still at an early stage, several projects representing several hundred MW are currently undergoing permitting procedures. Recent regulatory developments, including the launch of a first dedicated FPV auction scheme and simplified authorization procedures for certain projects, also reflect growing interest in the technology.
With the launch of the Ghiaro 3 project, Ciel & Terre continues its expansion in Southern Europe and strengthens its position in the Italian market.
The project is located on a former quarry lake created during the redevelopment of an industrial site in the 1980s. This reconversion demonstrates the ability of floating photovoltaics to bring new value to underutilized or constrained surfaces. The FPV area will occupy a surface area of 3.45 hectares, and will be equipped with 9 242 Jinko 635W photovoltaic modules. The project forms part of the STAR I photovoltaic portfolio, managed by Stafford Capital Partners, which focuses on investing in and developing solar assets across Europe.
The project is being carried out by Scotta, and part of a project led by a third-party energy producer. In this operation, Ciel & Terre is acting as a specialized subcontractor for the floating photovoltaic component, while Scotta will be responsible for all electrical works related to the project commissioned by Stafford Capital Partners as part of its STAR I photovoltaic portfolio.
Construction works began in May 2026, with an initial anchoring phase launched in mid-May, followed by the start of the assembly of the floats and photovoltaic structures in early June.
The project site includes a single assembly area and leverages Ciel & Terre’s expertise in engineering, anchoring, and the construction of floating photovoltaic power plants.
The Ghiaro 3 project also illustrates Ciel & Terre’s ability to mobilize its teams across the EMEA region.
Thanks to an agile organization and several years of experience in the construction of floating photovoltaic projects, Ciel & Terre’s EMEA team is now able to export its expertise far beyond French borders. Ciel & Terre therefore provides comprehensive support, ranging from engineering to maintenance, including anchoring and the assembly of floating power plants, to support the development of floating solar across several European countries, as demonstrated here in Italy.
The construction phase will involve a total workforce of 25 people, demonstrating Ciel & Terre EMEA entity’s ability to rapidly deploy experienced teams on international projects while ensuring high standards of quality and safety. This team mobility represents a key lever in supporting the growth of floating solar in Europe.
With the launch of the Ghiaro 3 project, Ciel & Terre reaches a new milestone in its European expansion and reaffirms its commitment to supporting the energy transition through innovative photovoltaic solutions adapted to current land-use challenges.
This first Ciel & Terre’s full-scope project in Italy, including the engineering, design, anchoring, and assembly of the floating photovoltaic power plant, therefore provides a strong foundation to support the development of future floating solar projects in Italy and more broadly across Southern Europe.
Ciel & Terre, a globally recognized floating solar expert, boasts an impressive 13-year track record, having successfully installed 350 projects worldwide representing more than 1.5 GWp.
Ciel & Terre aims to provide reliable solutions and services to deploy large floating solar power plants. To do so, the floating solar company is constantly optimizing its solutions and engineering support. Ciel & Terre’s floating solar solutions are based on 13 years of field-proven technology and can accommodate large photovoltaic panels.
Ciel & Terre provides a complete turnkey solution from engineering to maintenance of the FPV island, including construction and anchoring works.
Learn more about Ciel & Terre®
Founded in Italy in 1987, SCOTTA Group is a leading provider of integrated solutions for renewable energy and industrial automation. Specializing in the design, construction and installation of hydroelectric power plants, photovoltaic systems and electricity generation infrastructure, SCOTTA operates internationally with a strong focus on innovation, engineering excellence and sustainability. With hundreds of projects delivered worldwide, the Group combines in-house expertise, advanced technology and turnkey EPC capabilities to support the global energy transition.
Learn more about SCOTTA®
By Elise, Marketing
The post Ciel & Terre launches construction of its first full-scope floating photovoltaic project in Italy with the Ghiaro 3 project (5.8 MWp) appeared first on Ciel et Terre.
A strategic milestone in the Italian market
In a context of increasing land-use pressure and growing demand for sustainable energy solutions, floating solar is a relevant answer by making possible the use of water surfaces while limiting land artificialization. Italy benefits from many artificial water bodies and hydraulic infrastructures suitable for FPV development. In particular, Northern Italy, such as along the Po Valley where there are former quarry lakes, can provide favourable conditions for floating solar installations.
Although the Italian floating photovoltaic market is still at an early stage, several projects representing several hundred MW are currently undergoing permitting procedures. Recent regulatory developments, including the launch of a first dedicated FPV auction scheme and simplified authorization procedures for certain projects, also reflect growing interest in the technology.
With the launch of the Ghiaro 3 project, Ciel & Terre continues its expansion in Southern Europe and strengthens its position in the Italian market.
The project is located on a former quarry lake created during the redevelopment of an industrial site in the 1980s. This reconversion demonstrates the ability of floating photovoltaics to bring new value to underutilized or constrained surfaces. The FPV area will occupy a surface area of 3.45 hectares, and will be equipped with 9 242 Jinko 635W photovoltaic modules. The project forms part of the STAR I photovoltaic portfolio, managed by Stafford Capital Partners, which focuses on investing in and developing solar assets across Europe.
A collaboration driving project performance
The project is being carried out by Scotta, and part of a project led by a third-party energy producer. In this operation, Ciel & Terre is acting as a specialized subcontractor for the floating photovoltaic component, while Scotta will be responsible for all electrical works related to the project commissioned by Stafford Capital Partners as part of its STAR I photovoltaic portfolio.
Construction works began in May 2026, with an initial anchoring phase launched in mid-May, followed by the start of the assembly of the floats and photovoltaic structures in early June.
The project site includes a single assembly area and leverages Ciel & Terre’s expertise in engineering, anchoring, and the construction of floating photovoltaic power plants.
EMEA-wide team mobilization
The Ghiaro 3 project also illustrates Ciel & Terre’s ability to mobilize its teams across the EMEA region.
Thanks to an agile organization and several years of experience in the construction of floating photovoltaic projects, Ciel & Terre’s EMEA team is now able to export its expertise far beyond French borders. Ciel & Terre therefore provides comprehensive support, ranging from engineering to maintenance, including anchoring and the assembly of floating power plants, to support the development of floating solar across several European countries, as demonstrated here in Italy.
The construction phase will involve a total workforce of 25 people, demonstrating Ciel & Terre EMEA entity’s ability to rapidly deploy experienced teams on international projects while ensuring high standards of quality and safety. This team mobility represents a key lever in supporting the growth of floating solar in Europe.
With the launch of the Ghiaro 3 project, Ciel & Terre reaches a new milestone in its European expansion and reaffirms its commitment to supporting the energy transition through innovative photovoltaic solutions adapted to current land-use challenges.
This first Ciel & Terre’s full-scope project in Italy, including the engineering, design, anchoring, and assembly of the floating photovoltaic power plant, therefore provides a strong foundation to support the development of future floating solar projects in Italy and more broadly across Southern Europe.
About Ciel & Terre International
Ciel & Terre, a globally recognized floating solar expert, boasts an impressive 13-year track record, having successfully installed 350 projects worldwide representing more than 1.5 GWp.
Ciel & Terre aims to provide reliable solutions and services to deploy large floating solar power plants. To do so, the floating solar company is constantly optimizing its solutions and engineering support. Ciel & Terre’s floating solar solutions are based on 13 years of field-proven technology and can accommodate large photovoltaic panels.
Ciel & Terre provides a complete turnkey solution from engineering to maintenance of the FPV island, including construction and anchoring works.
Learn more about Ciel & Terre®
About SCOTTA
Founded in Italy in 1987, SCOTTA Group is a leading provider of integrated solutions for renewable energy and industrial automation. Specializing in the design, construction and installation of hydroelectric power plants, photovoltaic systems and electricity generation infrastructure, SCOTTA operates internationally with a strong focus on innovation, engineering excellence and sustainability. With hundreds of projects delivered worldwide, the Group combines in-house expertise, advanced technology and turnkey EPC capabilities to support the global energy transition.
Learn more about SCOTTA®
By Elise, Marketing
The post Ciel & Terre launches construction of its first full-scope floating photovoltaic project in Italy with the Ghiaro 3 project (5.8 MWp) appeared first on Ciel et Terre.