3Sun Gigafactory: discovering the largest “Sun Factory” in Europe

A hub of technological excellence for Italy’s energy independence.

“With 3Sun, we are practically demonstrating that in Italy, and therefore also in Europe, thanks to an innovative technology, we can now produce state-of-the-art photovoltaic panels that are competitive in international markets. Initiatives like this are what the future of energy will be built upon.”

– Francesco Starace, CEO and General Manager, Enel

The project, called “TANGO” (iTaliAN Giga factOry), leverages an investment of about 600 million euros, including nearly 118 million euros awarded under the European Innovation Fund’s first call, the Innovation Fund, for large-scale projects.

“This project truly symbolizes everything we need and contributes to what we are trying to achieve: climate neutrality and a net zero-emissions economy, more renewable energy in our system, competitiveness, more jobs in Europe and more investments.”

– Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director-General for Energy of the European Commission

A further step in our commitment to #EnelperlItalia, to the development of renewables and the growth of the local economy is with the creation of new jobs. During the meeting, the selection of 550 secondary school graduates was announced who will be hired to fill technical-operational positions within the factory in such areas as production, maintenance, auxiliary services, product quality and plant operation. With these new hires, 3Sun’s team, which already includes more than 200 people, will be expanded considerably, reaching about 900 people in total. Not only will the Gigafactory increase direct employment, but it will also generate a total of 1,000 indirect jobs, including current ones, by 2024.

“This state-of-the-art research is the key technological driver for a country that has decided to become Europe’s energy hub.”

– Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Minister of the Environment and Energy Security

A decade of advancements in this “Made in Italy” success story that was made possible thanks to the hard work and passion of people.

From the factory to the lab, for continuous innovation

The energetic and technological hub in Catania extends out to Passo Martino where our Innovation Lab is headquartered. The lab is open to startups, small and medium-sized businesses and Italian and global innovators, to share know-how and experiment increasingly effective and high-performance solutions in energy, solar and storage. Here we are testing new instruments for automatic cleaning of photovoltaic panels, the use of robotics and drones and floating photovoltaic systems.

A true technological campus, in line with our model of Open Innovation, but also an entrepreneurial accelerator which contributes to the growth and competitiveness of the photovoltaic supply chain towards an increasing energy freedom, independence and security for Italy and Europe.

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