Cycle0, a leading European developer, owner and operator of biomethane plants, has announced a significant investment in Italy with the acquisition of an operational biogas-to-electricity plant with authorisation for biomethane conversion and a new gas grid injection point in Mantua Province, in the Lombardy region of Italy.
Operational since 2012, the plant, known as Corte Pila, has an installed electrical capacity of 1 MW and uses 47,000 tonnes per annum of agriculture feedstock – primarily slurry, manure and silage – to produce electricity. Following approval to convert in 2024, Corte Pila is in the advanced stages of transition to biomethane production. This will enable an average production of 44 GWh per annum of biomethane from mid-2026.
The biomethane produced at the plant will be directly injected into a new gas grid injection point also being constructed as part of Cycle0's overall investment plans in Italy, which will total up to €100 million.
The plant will be operated by Cycle0 with the continued involvement of previous owner Franco Angeli, who had the initial vision to develop renewable energy at the site, as he takes a seat on the management board of Corte Pila.
This management structure, along with the retention of the entire operational team, enables stable production at the plant, while continuing to provide a waste management solution for the local agricultural community. The plant aids local economic development, while generating renewable natural gas to support Italy's renewable transition.
This acquisition follows the company's announcement in 2025 of the construction of its first plant in Italy, following a successful participation in the 5th GSE auction.
The plant is currently under construction in Pontinia in the Lazio region and is due for completion mid-2026. Combined with Corte Pila, the two plants will produce up to a total of 90 GWh, or 8 million standard cubic metres (SCM) of gas – enough to meet the average gas needs of around 6,000 Italian homes.
This announcement expands the portfolio of Cycle0 European plants planned or in operation to nine, including seven operational agri-centric greenfield and industrial waste-to-energy brownfield plants located in regions across Spain (Catalonia, Navarra, Castilla-La Mancha and Galicia).
Cycle0 also owns and operates the first privately operated injection point on the Spanish gas grid, located in Catalonia.
Referring to the announcement, CEO Laurence Molke said: "We are delighted to continue our investment expansion into Italy with the acquisition of the Corte Pila plant. This investment supports our goal to be a leading European biomethane plant operator, and we are pleased to do this in partnership with the local farming community, building on a vision which they began over 15 years ago."
Cycle0 accelerates Italian biomethane growth with Corte Pila Plant acquisition
