Gruppo CAP Invests 50M Euros in 30 MWp Solar for Milan Water Plants
Milan water utility Gruppo CAP deploys 30,000 kWp of solar capacity to cut costs and meet 2028 EU energy neutrality mandates.
Key points
- Gruppo CAP invests 50 million euros to install 30,000 kWp of solar capacity across Milan wastewater plants.
- The project saves 11,159 tonnes of CO2 annually and meets 2028 EU mandates for 100% renewable energy use.
- A 657.20 kWp community solar plant in Trezzano supplies 83% of its output to local residents and businesses.
Gruppo CAP, the utility managing water services for the Metropolitan City of Milan, has launched a 50 million euro Solar Power Masterplan. The initiative installs over 30,000 kWp of photovoltaic capacity on existing wastewater treatment sites, aiming to transform these infrastructure assets into energy self-sufficient hubs.
The project is central to the company’s 2025-2029 Industrial Plan and projects annual CO2 savings of 11,159 tonnes. Funding is split between 13 million euros from bill payments, 10 million in internal capital, and 27 million from industrial partners. This move responds to Directive (EU) 2024/3019, which mandates that plants serving over 100,000 population equivalents reach 100% renewable energy consumption by 2028.
Agrivoltaics boost yield at Robecco site
CAP Evolution, the group’s subsidiary for waste and energy, is leading a pilot project in Robecco sul Naviglio. An 850,000 euro investment combines solar panels on impermeable plant surfaces with an agrivoltaic system on surrounding farmland. Adjustable, biaxial panels modulate light to reduce water stress for crops, improving agricultural yield while generating power.
The facility produces over 1.1 GWh annually, covering approximately 14% of the treatment plant’s energy demand. Alessandro Reginato, General Director of CAP Evolution, notes this reduces dependence on fossil fuels while enhancing local land use efficiency.
Community sharing drives local consumption
The "Naviglio Grande" Renewable Energy Community, established in March 2025, pairs CAP Evolution with the municipalities of Buccinasco and Trezzano sul Naviglio. A 657.20 kWp solar plant powers the Trezzano wastewater treatment plant, reducing procurement costs and emissions.
Approximately 83% of the generated energy is distributed to local residents and businesses. This model creates a prosumer ecosystem where local entities share the economic and environmental benefits of on-site production, stabilizing costs for the community.
Seven GWh capacity targets grid stability
On a larger scale, CAP Evolution and A2A Calore e Servizi are designing ten new solar plants. Some are installed on balancing tanks to preserve land, with a combined capacity exceeding 7 GWh annually. Fourteen percent of this output directly powers the plants, while the remainder feeds the grid or supports remote self-consumption.
As reported by renewablematter.eu, this expansion saves roughly 2,100 tonnes of CO2 per year. The strategy stabilizes energy costs and increases infrastructure efficiency, positioning Gruppo CAP to meet strict EU deadlines for energy neutrality in water management.
