RWE has commenced construction of its first commercial-scale Agri-PV plants, marking a significant step in the advancement of renewable energy integration with agriculture.
The projects, Morcone with a capacity of 9.8 megawatts (MWac) and Acquafredda at 9.3 MWac, are both situated in the Benevento province within the Campania region. These advanced Agri-PV projects will collectively house over 32,500 solar modules, harnessing solar energy to supply renewable electricity to more than 13,000 Italian households.
RWE said the commissioning of these projects in Italy is scheduled for completion by the end of the year, aligning with the company’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio. Both projects achieved success in the recent Italian Recovery and Resilience Plan auction, reinforcing their strategic importance in the country’s green transition.
A key innovation in these Agri-PV projects is the use of elevated tracker systems. The solar panels are mounted on a three-metre-high tracker structure with a movable axis, which enhances energy yield by optimizing solar capture throughout the day. This design also ensures that agricultural activities can continue beneath the panels, demonstrating a fully integrated energy-agriculture model.
The synergy between renewable energy production and agriculture will not only enhance land utilization but also provide protective benefits to crops, shielding them from hail, frost, drought, and heavy rainfall. RWE will monitor the performance of these systems by collecting meteorological and agricultural yield data, further refining the efficiency and viability of this pioneering approach.
Katja Wunschel, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, emphasized the significance of this milestone, highlighting that the commencement of these Agri-PV projects on a commercial scale paves the way for future initiatives.
She pointed out that Italy, with its abundant sunshine, is an ideal market for advanced Agri-PV technology. This approach ensures responsible and efficient use of land, maximizing its potential by producing both agricultural products and renewable energy.
RWE currently operates 16 onshore wind farms in Italy, with a combined installed capacity of 527 MW. These wind farms generate enough green electricity to power approximately 450,000 Italian households annually.
RWE is constructing the 53 MW Mondonuovo wind farm in the Apulia region. Additionally, alongside its Agri-PV projects, RWE is installing its first Italian solar plant, Bosco (8.3 MWac), located near Palermo, which is currently in the commissioning phase.