BW ESS Accelerates Italian BESS Expansion Amid Robust MACSE Demand

International battery storage operator BW ESS is significantly accelerating its expansion in Italy, capitalizing on the country's highly favorable regulatory environment for energy storage. The developer has appointed former Shell executive Ivan Niosi as Executive Director to spearhead its Italian growth strategy, bringing extensive experience from managing an 8 GW portfolio for Shell in Europe.

Strategic Investments and Project Pipeline

BW ESS entered the Italian market in 2024 through a strategic joint venture with ACL Energy. This partnership has secured a formidable portfolio of 14 BESS projects, totaling 2.9 GW across Italy's northern and southern electricity zones. The overall project pipeline in Italy now stands at an impressive 4 GW, representing investments exceeding €1 billion.

Currently, BW ESS has around 200 MW (1.4 GWh) under construction. Notable projects include a 107 MW (515 MWh) plant in Chignolo Po, supported by Terna’s capacity market, and a 97 MW (828 MWh) facility in Cerignola, which secured a winning bid in the first MACSE auction. Both are expected to become operational by 2027.

MACSE Auctions Drive Market Growth

Italy's MACSE (electricity storage procurement mechanism) has proven to be a massive catalyst for BESS investments. The first MACSE auction, held in September 2025, successfully procured 10 GWh of storage capacity in southern Italy and the islands, meeting 100% of required demand with bids exceeding supply by more than four times.

With a second MACSE auction scheduled for November 24, 2026, expected to offer up to 16 GWh of capacity, the Italian market remains a primary target for European storage developers.

Looking ahead, BW ESS aims to reach 12 GWh of BESS capacity across Europe by 2028, supported by ongoing investments of €1 billion. To facilitate this growth, the company will open a new office in Milan.

Source: Enlit / Il Sole 24 Ore

This article was assisted by AI analysis. Please refer to the original source for official information.