Kelag International has expanded its presence in Italy through the acquisition of hydropower and wind assets and a long-term partnership with Swisspower Renewables.
The transaction includes eight hydropower plants and one wind asset, alongside a 40% stake in Swisspower Renewables’ Italian portfolio, which comprises 29 hydropower plants and two wind assets, all operational.
Following completion, Kelag International’s renewable energy portfolio will total 304MW of installed capacity and around 744GWh of annual electricity generation, reinforcing Italy as a key growth market for the company.
The companies will now enter a transition phase to ensure continuity across the assets. Swisspower Renewables will continue to support operations, maintenance and asset management on a long-term basis, while Kelag International prepares the portfolio for further development.
Christian Schwarz, managing director of Kelag International, said the deal marked a step in extending the company’s hydropower expertise beyond its home market.
“This agreement represents an important step in further applying our hydropower expertise beyond Austria,” he said. “For decades, we have developed, operated and maintained hydropower plants under demanding conditions.”
He added that the company would apply this experience to improve performance and deliver long-term value in Italy.
“By transferring this know-how to Italy, we aim to ensure stable operations, optimise generation efficiency and create long-term value for the regions in which we are active,” Schwarz said.
Swisspower Renewables said the partnership would strengthen its Italian platform and support future growth.
“We are pleased to enter into a partnership with Kelag International, whose long-standing expertise and dependable operational capabilities will bring a clear additional value to our Italian platform,” the company said. “Together, we look forward to advancing renewable energy development and contributing to a secure and sustainable energy system.”
Kelag International said its role will focus on technical operation, maintenance and optimisation of hydropower assets, drawing on more than 100 years of experience within the Kelag Group.
