Alternus Clean Energy Secures Full Permitting for First of Its Eleven Italian Solar Projects; Construction is Expected to Start in Q2 2025

Rhea-AI Summary

Alternus Clean Energy (NASDAQ: ALCE) has secured full permitting for the first of eleven solar projects in Italy, with construction scheduled to begin in Q2 2025. The 18MW project, expected to be completed by mid-2026, is projected to generate $2 million in annual revenue with an 80% EBITDA margin over its 30-year lifespan.

The project has completed its first 60-day challenge period, and the remaining portfolio is expected to achieve similar development status between Q4 2025 and Q1 2026. If sold after becoming operational, this initial project could generate $7 million in cash proceeds.

Once the entire Italian portfolio becomes operational, Alternus anticipates generating over $25 million in annual income. If the company decides to sell the complete portfolio, it could yield approximately $50 million in equity value.

Positive

• Secured full permitting for first Italian solar project
• Project expected to generate $2 million annual revenue with 80% EBITDA margin
• Potential $7 million cash proceeds if sold after completion
• Full portfolio projected to generate $25 million annual income
• Potential $50 million equity value from selling entire portfolio

Negative

• Construction won't begin until Q2 2025
• Project completion delayed until mid-2026
• Remaining portfolio development extends into Q1 2026

Insights

Financial Analyst

This Italian solar project marks a substantial revenue opportunity for ALCE with compelling financial metrics. The $2 million annual revenue projection with an 80% EBITDA margin demonstrates exceptional operational efficiency. The dual-path monetization strategy is particularly noteworthy - either generating steady long-term income or capturing $7 million in immediate value through sale.

The broader portfolio potential of $25 million annual revenue or $50 million in equity value through sale represents a transformative opportunity for a company with a $3 billion market cap. The successful permitting process de-risks the project significantly, though investors should monitor construction execution in Q2 2025 and completion timeline by mid-2026.

Think of this as planting a money tree - ALCE can either harvest annual fruits ($2 million recurring revenue) or sell the whole tree ($7 million one-time). The 80% EBITDA margin is exceptional compared to the industry average of 30-40% for solar projects.

Energy Infrastructure Expert

The successful permitting of this 18MW solar project in Italy represents more than just regulatory compliance - it demonstrates ALCE's ability to navigate complex European energy markets. Italy's solar sector is particularly attractive due to high irradiance levels, supportive feed-in tariffs and the country's commitment to renewable energy expansion.

The completion of the 60-day challenge period significantly reduces development risk. The Q2 2025 construction timeline aligns well with typical seasonal construction patterns in Mediterranean climates. The 30-year projected lifespan is conservative and achievable given current solar technology reliability.

For context, this project's 18MW capacity could power approximately 5,400 Italian households, contributing meaningfully to Italy's renewable energy targets. The successful execution of this first project will likely streamline the development process for the remaining ten projects in the portfolio.

Upon completion, the 18MW project is expected to generate approximately $2 million annually in recurring revenues.

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 8, 2025) - Alternus Clean Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALCE) ("ALCE", "Alternus" or the "Company") a renewable energy company, today announced that construction on the first of its eleven solar projects in Italy is scheduled to commence in Q2 2025. This milestone solidifies Alternus' expansion into one of Europe's most promising solar energy markets. The project, expected to be completed by mid-2026, is expected to generate over $2 million in annual revenue, over its anticipated 30-year lifespan, with an estimated 80% EBITDA margin. In addition, if the Company elects to sell once the project is operational, it could realize $7 million in cash proceeds. The remaining portfolio is projected to achieve similar development status in Q4 of this year and Q1 of 2026.

The project recently achieved all of its relevant permitting and has successfully completed the first 60 days of a challenge period. Construction will commence in Q2 2025 following the mandatory waiting period. This progress underscores Alternus' ability to manage complex regulatory and operational processes efficiently.

Vincent Browne, CEO of Alternus, stated, "2025 is off to a strong start with the achievement of this pivotal milestone in our Italian portfolio. I am immensely proud of our team's dedication and excited about the opportunities as we continue to deliver long-term value for our investors, partners, and communities. Once the entire portfolio becomes operational, we anticipate generating over $25 million of long-term positive income streams annually. Additionally, if we decide to sell the portfolio in its entirety it could yield approximately $50 million in equity value. This positions the Company to optimize returns for shareholders effectively. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners in Italy to further expand this high value, high margin segment of our business."

"We remain steadfast in our mission to lead the renewable energy revolution by providing clean, sustainable energy solutions that create lasting value for stakeholders while addressing global climate challenges. This first Italian project is not only a significant milestone but also a blueprint for our future success," concluded Mr. Browne.

About Alternus Clean Energy, Inc.:

Alternus is a transatlantic clean energy independent power producer. Headquartered in the United States, we currently develop, install, own, and operate utility scale solar parks in North America and Europe. Our highly motivated and dynamic team at Alternus have achieved rapid growth in recent years. Building on this, our goal is to reach 3GW of operating projects within five years through continued organic development activities and targeted strategic opportunities. Our vision is to become a leading provider of 24/7 clean energy delivering a sustainable future of renewable power with people and planet in harmony. For more information, please visit https://alternusce.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this release, including any information on the Company's plans or future financial or operating performance and other statements that express the Company's management's expectations or estimates of future performance, constitute forward-looking statements. When used in this notice, words such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "would" and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company's management. Such statements are based on a number of estimates and assumptions that are subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company cautions that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and other factors that may cause the actual financial results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from the Company's estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements should not be relied upon as representing Alternus' assessments of any date after the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Media Contact: IR@alternusenergy.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/236395

FAQ

When will ALCE begin construction on its first Italian solar project?

Alternus Clean Energy will begin construction on its first Italian solar project in Q2 2025.

How much annual revenue will ALCE's first Italian solar project generate?

The 18MW project is expected to generate approximately $2 million in annual recurring revenue with an 80% EBITDA margin.

What is the total expected annual income from ALCE's entire Italian portfolio?

Once all eleven projects become operational, Alternus expects to generate over $25 million in annual income streams.

What is the potential equity value if ALCE sells its entire Italian portfolio?

If Alternus decides to sell the complete Italian portfolio, it could yield approximately $50 million in equity value.

When will ALCE complete its first Italian solar project?

The first Italian solar project is expected to be completed by mid-2026.