In this Ranft Report, we provide you with an in-depth look at our achievements in 2025 and an outlook for 2026.

For the Ranft Group, the 2025 fiscal year was marked by growth, consolidation, and strategic development. In Germany, Austria, and Italy, numerous projects were successfully implemented or made significant progress. These ranged from photovoltaic parks connected to the green power grid and battery storage solutions to securing new development sites in all three countries.

The continuous expansion of the project pipeline and the targeted growth of activities in the battery energy storage system (BESS) sector underscore the Ranft Group’s clear focus on the future of energy supply. Through a combination of technical expertise, regional presence, and a sustainable investment approach, the foundation for further growth and long-term value creation was laid in 2025.

In 2026, the focus will continue to be on the intelligent integration of renewable energy generation, storage, and consumption. By developing new photovoltaic and storage projects in our European markets, the Ranft Group is strengthening its position as a comprehensive project partner and future full-service provider in the renewable energy sector.

The coming year will be marked in particular by two themes: BESS and Italy. Today, BESS are a key factor in the stability and efficiency of modern energy systems—whether as a grid-supporting solution for supply security or as a key technology for the optimal use of green energy. At the same time, the Ranft Group is continuing its successful work in Italy, where it has been actively involved for many years in the development and implementation of projects in the fields of hydropower, photovoltaics, and BESS.

Look forward to our Ranft Report Specials in the first quarter of 2026 on the topics of BESS and Italy —featuring exciting insights, the latest figures, and background information on developments within the Ranft Group.

On behalf of the entire team, we would like to wish you: “Merry Christmas, a peaceful holiday season, and a Happy New Year!”

Sincerely, Michael Ranft, Andrea Ranft, and Rainer Zepke

A LOOK BACK AT 2025

The Ranft Group looks back on a successful 2025. In all three core markets—Germany, Austria, and Italy—photovoltaic and battery storage projects were completed on schedule or advanced to critical development phases.

In Germany, several PV parks were commissioned, and the project pipeline in the BESS sector was significantly expanded. In Austria, the focus was on the sale of project rights and new storage developments, while in Italy, in addition to achieving RTB (Ready-to-Build) status for Solvalore 1, land acquisitions and grid connection commitments for several BESS projects were successfully finalized. These advances underscore our Group’s growing operational strength and the high degree of project continuity across national borders. Listed below are the project successes from 2025.

OUTLOOK 2026

The outlook for 2026 points toward expansion and technological integration. This will allow us to lay the groundwork for attractive investment opportunities with our customary stable return profile. Our focus is on implementing large-scale photovoltaic projects with integrated green energy storage systems, as well as the parallel expansion of standalone battery storage solutions at strategically selected locations in Germany, Austria, and Italy. In doing so, the Ranft Group is pursuing both co-location concepts and stand-alone BESS projects that either provide grid-supporting services or enable the efficient use and marketing of green energy. In addition to project development, the range of topics will continue to expand in 2026—from technical standardization and new investment models to preparations for upcoming investment cycles.

With this comprehensive strategy, the Ranft Group is positioning itself as one of the forward-looking players in the European energy market. Below, we have listed the projects scheduled for 2026.

NEWSLETTER SPECIALS 2026

BESS Special

Today, battery storage systems are the key to success for renewable energy projects. Whether it’s providing grid services to stabilize power grids or serving as an economic and environmental factor in the use and continuity of green energy, look forward to our BESS Special in Q1/2026, featuring a wealth of valuable information on the topic and the latest updates on our own project developments.

ITALY Special

Since 2010, we have been developing, operating, implementing, and trading in renewable energy projects in Italy. In the hydropower sector, our focus is on the regions of Veneto, Tuscany, and Piedmont. These regions are also home to major electricity consumers within the Italian economy. Consequently, the Ranft Group also has current projects here in the BESS and photovoltaic sectors—just as you have come to expect from us over the past 15 years in Sicily. The rating agency Fitch has just raised Italy’s credit rating.

At the same time, Italy is seeing massive investments in infrastructure, the economy, and—at the forefront of it all—renewables. It’s a good thing we had the “right instinct” back in 2010 when we expanded. That’s reason enough for an ITALY special in Q1/2026.

INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL RANFT

After hosting several webinars this year, we’ve noticed that certain questions from our investors keep coming up. For this reason, we’re sharing a short interview with our CEO, Michael Ranft.

What was the most memorable moment for you personally in 2025? MR: The first cross-border meeting of the three Ranft Group teams from Germany, Austria, and Italy. In addition to the combined expertise of the individual team members, we were able to experience wonderful moments on a personal level. On such an occasion, it becomes clear: We are well-equipped to shape the future!

Which strategic decision made in 2025 has most significantly advanced the Ranft Group—and why? MR : Clearly, the focus on BESS—that is, large-scale energy storage systems—in new and existing project developments. This also includes so-called stand-alone storage systems. These systems are connected directly to the power grid, where they perform two key functions: they stabilize the grid by providing grid-supporting services and generate additional revenue by participating in electricity trading. This is precisely why we will dedicate a special edition of the Ranft Report to this topic in the first quarter of 2026.

What challenges did you face in particular over the past year, and what did you learn from them? MR : The renewable energy sector has undergone a radical transformation over the past two years—arguably the most significant since its inception. The elimination of attractive feed-in tariffs, the grid expansion situation, specific provisions in the EEG such as the lack of compensation during periods of negative electricity prices on the power exchange, and much more. As I put it a few years ago: PV is “growing up.” This means moving away from a subsidized environment and toward creative business models, the integration of large-scale storage technology, and the planning and creation of infrastructure, such as substations.

Why do battery energy storage systems (BESS) play such a central role in the Ranft Group’s future energy supply? MR: BESS is THE central issue of the present and the future. The economically viable and environmentally efficient use of green energy in current and future projects is no longer conceivable without accompanying storage technology. Only through storage can the volatile generation from wind and solar energy be transformed into reliable, predictable energy supplies. At the same time, they increase grid stability, enable new business models such as flexibility trading, and boost the profitability of existing plants. This is precisely why battery energy storage systems are indispensable to our strategic direction.

What sets your BESS and colocation projects apart from those of other providers in the market? MR : The Ranft Group has been active in the renewable energy sector since 2008. Our key advantage is that, thanks to our history and our role as managers of existing projects, we also have access to existing projects. In addition to traditional new project development, this gives us direct access to grid connections and, at the same time, challenges us to apply our expertise to optimize the future profitability of our customers’ existing facilities. It’s a classic win-win situation.

Why is 2026 going to be a focus year for Italy—and what specific opportunities do you see there? MR : Italy has been a strategically important pillar for us since 2011. In the north, Italy has abundant water resources, while in the south—particularly in Sicily, one of our focus regions—there is very high levels of solar radiation. Combined with the current high electricity prices and widespread acceptance of renewable energy, this creates an extremely attractive foundation for our projects. We will also report on this in detail in a special edition of the Ranft Report in the first quarter of 2026.

How do you manage to keep the corporate culture stable and vibrant despite strong growth and international expansion? MR : When selecting members of our team, we place an emphasis—in addition to high professional qualifications—on the human aspect. This further fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among our employees. Our day-to-day work is characterized by a friendly and, at times, family-like atmosphere. In my view, this strong human element, combined with the meaningfulness of our daily, goal-oriented work, forms the essential cornerstones of our company.

Which of the projects planned for 2026 do you believe will have the greatest strategic impact on the Group’s future? MR : There isn’t a single project that stands out as particularly significant, because everything is interconnected. If I had to choose just one, though, it would be our first BESS project (large-scale energy storage) in Oranienbaum. It’s a project typical of what we do: a redevelopment of an existing property, reimagined from the ground up—and in a segment that is of central importance to the energy transition. Here, we’re venturing into a new field of technology, but we can still draw on our proven development and operational processes.

What message would you particularly like to convey to investors for 2026?
MR: We are worthy of your trust! And a big and heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been with us—in some cases for nearly 20 years—and whose financial support has made our development and our work possible in the first place. We see this as a clear mandate to consistently continue on the path we’ve chosen, while at the same time continually expanding our knowledge base and expertise and developing solutions for current and future challenges. Let’s continue to walk this path together and actively shape the energy transition!

What is your vision for the Ranft Group in 2030? MR: The Ranft Group as a comprehensive project partner for solutions related to the generation, storage, use, and distribution of green energy, encompassing the entire value chain—backed by more than 20 years of pioneering work in the energy transition and a 30-year corporate history that sharpens our vision for the future.