Wind energy is currently the fastest-growing technology among all global energy-generating sources. In 2011, total installed wind capacity worldwide stood at 236 GW, and by the end of 2015 this figure had almost doubled to 434 GW. As wind energy becomes a mainstream power source, investors are increasingly confident in supporting this sector.
Within this landscape, small wind energy is gaining traction as a flexible and scalable solution, particularly in areas with favorable climatic conditions, topography, and environment. Italy is one of the markets where this growth is clearly visible.
Why Sicily Is Ideal for Small Wind Energy
It is widely known that Sicily is the most solar-irradiated region in Italy—but it is also the windiest. This unique combination makes it a prime location for small wind energy development.
In fact, installed wind power in Sicily grew from zero in 2005 to حوالي 2,000 MW by the end of 2014, and it continues to increase. This rapid expansion highlights the region’s strong potential for renewable energy investments.
Energica Srl: Driving Small Wind Energy Forward
Energica Srl is an Italian company making significant progress in the small wind energy sector. To date, the company has installed 19 onshore wind turbines across various sites in Sicily, with more than 25 additional units currently in the pipeline.
All installations use Northern Power Systems (NPS) wind turbines, predominantly the NPS 60-24 model with 37-meter towers—technology specifically suited for small wind energy projects.
At the Gangi site, the average Annual Energy Production (AEP) across all installed units is 196,000 kWh per turbine. This energy is exported to the grid under a feed-in tariff of €0.268/kWh, making small wind energy both environmentally and financially sustainable.
Strong Confidence in Technology
Energica’s confidence in Northern Power Systems goes beyond standard business collaboration. The company has been so satisfied with the turbines’ quality, reliability, and energy performance—as well as the competence of the NPS team—that it decided to invest directly in the technology.
Energica purchased two turbines in 2015 and an additional three units in 2016, reinforcing its commitment to small wind energy development.
“We are so pleased with the quality of the NPS wind turbines, their actual performance in terms of reliability and energy production as well as the competence of the individual NPS team members that we decided to invest in the NPS product personally”
— Luca Palmeri, CEO at Energica Srl
The Northern Power Systems Solution
The relationship between Energica and Northern Power Systems began in 2012, when CEO Luca Palmeri first encountered the company at the Eolica Expo Mediterranean, an industry trade fair held in Rome.
At the time, a newly enacted regional law—supported by a Ministerial Decree—allowed the installation of small wind turbines with rated power up to 60 kW through a “Simplified Procedure,” without restrictions on hub or tip height. This regulatory shift created ideal conditions for the expansion of small wind energy.
Following this opportunity, Energica initiated the authorization process for multiple installations. By June 2013, the company decided to purchase its first NPS 60 wind turbine, which was installed in November 2013—marking the beginning of a growing presence of NPS turbines in Sicily.
Encouraged by the outstanding commercial and financial success of this first project, Energica went on to negotiate an exclusive partnership with Northern Power Systems, becoming its development partner for end users and private investors in Sicily.
Commercial and Environmental Benefits of Small Wind Energy
Reliable, Proven Technology
The NPS 60-24 turbine is engineered for maximum reliability. It features a gearless design that reduces maintenance needs and allows operators to focus on business operations rather than technical issues.
Additional benefits include:
- A 10-year Performance Guarantee Program (PGP)
- 98% fleet availability
- 24/7 monitoring
- Local service support
These features make it an ideal solution for small wind energy applications.
Value-Added: Green Credentials
The transition to small wind energy supports Italy’s broader move toward clean, renewable power. Green energy solutions are increasingly replacing traditional fossil fuel generation, contributing to a more sustainable future.
A Safe and Solid Investment
The NPS 60 wind turbine delivers best-in-class performance, with actual AEP exceeding the values indicated by its published power curve. Its high availability and adaptability to varying wind conditions distinguish it from other turbines in its category.
This makes small wind energy a reliable and attractive investment opportunity for both companies and private investors.
Conclusion
The Energica Srl case study clearly demonstrates how small wind energy can successfully combine technological reliability, financial return, and environmental sustainability.
With strong regulatory support, proven technology, and ideal natural conditions, Sicily has become a benchmark for small wind energy development in Italy. As global demand for renewable energy continues to grow, solutions like these are set to play an increasingly important role in the future energy landscape.