Italy’s Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) has officially approved the construction of a large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) in the municipality of Melfi, Potenza. The project, known as Melfi BESS 2, will deliver 280 MW of grid-connected battery storage capacity and will be developed by Bess by Erry S.r.l., with the decree signed on 7 August 2025.
According to the authorisation decree, the facility will be installed in an area specifically designated in the regional planning documents. The battery park will consist of 448 battery container units, each connected to 56 power conversion systems equipped with integrated transformers and monitoring equipment. The layout also includes 1,792 HVAC units for temperature and climate regulation within the battery containers.
The decree specifies that the new BESS plant will be connected to the national high-voltage grid through a new primary substation, which will be built within the project boundary. The infrastructure will be implemented in accordance with the national procedures for strategic electricity infrastructure and fully aligned with EU environmental and safety standards.
The approval requires construction to begin within 12 months of the decree date and allows for a maximum 30-month development and commissioning period. The ministry also notes that any future technical modifications will require specific approval.
Once operational, Melfi BESS 2 is expected to strengthen grid flexibility and improve system stability, supporting Italy’s broader transition toward renewable energy integration.
