The NextPower 1 solar power plants were engineered, designed and constructed by Enerqos, an Italian EPC contractor, and were connected to Italy’s electricity grid just before Christmas.

The first solar power plant, situated in the municipality of Gravina in Puglia (Bari province), uses a dual-axis tracker technology developed by Enerqos.

The second solar power site is located in San Pietro Vernotico and was built using a traditional ground-mounted, fixed axis system.

The overall investment amounts to €14.5 million.

Two additional solar power plants, NextPower 2, are currently under construction in Puglia, and are due to be connected to the grid by June 2010.

The partners

Zouk ventures is a London based investment management firm focusing on expansion-stage capital in clean-tech markets as well as renewable and environmental infrastructure opportunities.

NextEnergy Capital is a London-based merchant bank focused on the renewable energy sector in Europe.