The city of Naples is preparing to host an ambitious energy project spearheaded by the Campania Welfare Foundation, which has opened a public tender worth 13.4 million euros for the design, construction, commissioning, and management of photovoltaic systems on the rooftops of its public buildings. The project will be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The initiative stems from a proposal submitted by Naples-based firm RECO S.r.l., titled “Solar Energy Parco San Laise”. The plan includes not only the deployment of solar systems but also the creation of a Renewable Energy Community (CER) and a decentralised energy management model. According to the resolution passed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors on 7 March 2025, the proposal has been declared to be of public interest under Article 12 of Legislative Decree 387/2003.

“The proposal submitted by RECO S.r.l. is approved, including the technical feasibility study, the certified financial plan, and the draft agreement,” the resolution affirms. It also validates technical documentation concerning rooftop structural loads, lightning protection, and fire safety requirements.

Contractual and Financial Conditions

The awarded concession will be valid for 25 years and fully funded by the concessionaire, who will receive an annual availability fee of 120,000 euros for service delivery. The contract is not divided into lots due to the project’s integrated and indivisible nature, which is also tied to its technical and logistical complexity.

The total value of the contract, which accounts for revenues from the Energy Services Operator (GSE), energy sales, and energy services, is estimated at 13,436,875 euros. Construction costs amount to 3,544,507 euros, of which 282,245 euros are allocated to labour costs and 203,858 euros to safety measures that are not subject to discounts.

The proposal, validated by Banca del Fucino S.p.A., also includes technical expenses of 773,197 euros, covering detailed design, project management, compliance certification, and intellectual property rights.

Legal, Environmental and Labour Aspects

The tender process is governed by Italy’s new Public Procurement Code (Legislative Decree 36/2023) and will award the contract to the most economically advantageous offer. All phases will be conducted via the official platform.

The project complies with the Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) issued by the Ministry for the Environment, qualifying it as a “green” project under the supervision of the National Anti-Corruption Authority (ANAC). According to the tender documents, “the primary objective is to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency, while ensuring environmental, social, and economic sustainability”.

In terms of labour requirements, at least 5 per cent of new hires must be young people and another 5 per cent women, which is in line with Article 57 of Legislative Decree 36/2023. The tender also stipulates application of the national collective agreement for the metalworking and construction sectors, unless the bidder demonstrates equivalence with another agreement.

Promoter Rights and Timeline

Should RECO S.r.l. not be awarded the concession, it may exercise its right of first refusal within 15 days of the award notice by matching the terms offered by the winning bidder. If it opts not to exercise this right, it is entitled to reimbursement of 88,612.60 euros for proposal development costs.

The procurement process, overseen by Dr Angelo Gambardella, is scheduled to conclude within four months of publication. The Project Manager is Dr Mario Caliendo, who will supervise the technical and operational aspects throughout the process.

“The PPP model allows the Foundation to transfer operational and procurement risks to the private partner, ensuring results without impacting public budgets,” the tender document concludes.