FS Group: Italy’s Renewable Energy Push for Sustainable Rail

Introduction

FS Energy has launched a new photovoltaic plant in the Foggia area, incorporating over 6,600 solar panels and a capacity of 3 MWp. The project, developed with RFI and Italferr, is part of the FS Group’s strategy to boost renewable self-production and reduce reliance on Italy’s high-voltage grid.

Photovoltaic Plant in Foggia

The Foggia plant has a capacity of 3 MWp and has already generated 1.5 GWh of electricity. This amount of electricity is sufficient to power approximately 80 train journeys between Lecce and Milan, or about 75,000 train-kilometres. The facility is connected to a railway electrical substation, which transforms the high-voltage electricity into a form suitable for powering traction motors and on-board systems. By feeding renewable energy directly into the railway traction network, the plant supports more sustainable train operations and reduces conventional energy consumption.

FS Group’s Renewable Energy Initiatives

The Foggia installation is the second photovoltaic plant launched by the FS Group for direct traction use, following the activation of a 4.4 MWp installation in Padua. The combined output of the two sites can reach up to 50 MWh per day, which is equivalent to the energy needed for five train journeys between Padua and Foggia. The annual production from the Foggia and Padua plants is projected to reach 11 GWh, a significant early step in the FS Group’s green strategy. FS Energy is leading the program to ensure a progressively more secure, stable, and sustainable energy supply.

Future Developments

Further photovoltaic developments are planned in Puglia, with additional sites currently under definition. The new Foggia plant supports the FS Group’s broader target of expanding renewable energy generation to reduce dependence on Italy’s national transmission and distribution grids. As the country’s largest consumer of electricity, accounting for around 2% of national demand, FS aims to decarbonise its energy use through major investments in solar capacity.

Digital Design and Environmental Impact

The Foggia project utilized Building Information Modelling (BIM) for full digital design. BIM enhanced design quality, mitigated operational risks, and accelerated delivery times by allowing engineers to optimize every stage. The digital model also facilitated better integration of the installation within its surrounding landscape, minimizing environmental impact and improving overall project efficiency.

Conclusion

FS Energy has introduced a new photovoltaic plant in Foggia, contributing to the FS Group’s goal of increasing renewable energy production and decreasing reliance on Italy’s national grid. The project, supported by RFI and Italferr, is part of a larger plan to transition towards a low-carbon energy model for the Italian railway system.

Company Summary

FS Energy: Leading the FS Group’s initiatives to secure a sustainable energy supply.

RFI: Provided technical support for the project.

Italferr: Provided technical support for the project.

FS Group: Aims to expand renewable energy generation and reduce dependence on Italy’s national transmission and distribution grids.