The Clean energy for EU islands secretariat has published a new technical assistance report titled “Hybrid PV and Storage Plant in Pantelleria Airport – Financial Assessment”, released on 11 March 2026. This study provides a detailed financial evaluation of photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) configurations for the Pantelleria Airport site, building on a technical study delivered in January 2025.
The report analyses multiple investment scenarios to determine the most sustainable and cost‑effective pathways for different stakeholders, including private investors, the Regulatory Authority, and the local Distribution System Operator (DSO). Using a dedicated financial model spanning a 20‑year horizon, the assessment incorporates capital and operational expenditures, depreciation, feed‑in tariffs, avoided diesel consumption, financing conditions, and inflation. It also evaluates PV production degradation and curtailment, alongside BESS efficiency, capacity fade, and cycling limits.
Key findings indicate that a PV‑only plant currently offers the most financially viable option for private investors. For public or regulated investments, a grant‑funded BESS project without battery replacement emerges as the most favourable scenario—provided that long‑term performance can be reliably ensured. The study also highlights that designating the BESS installation as a regulated asset could enable the DSO to receive amortisation and return on capital, delivering substantial system‑wide savings without requiring direct public funding.
The report stresses the importance of continuous financial model updates and robust technical monitoring to keep pace with evolving market conditions, regulatory frameworks, and technological advancements. With limited land available for renewable energy deployment on the island, the airport area remains a crucial strategic site, as highlighted in previous spatial energy planning work.
This new financial assessment strengthens the knowledge base for Pantelleria’s ongoing clean energy transition and provides actionable insights for future investment decisions on the island.