GreenGo at the center of the national debate on best practices for agrivoltaics

With contributions from the Regional Minister for Economic Development and Green Economy Vincenzo Colla, the President of Elettricità Futura Agostino Re Rebaudengo, Confagricoltura, AIAS, ENEA, Eurac, Engie Italia, REA Reliable Energy Advisors, and the perspective of agricultural entrepreneurs.

The workshop "Photovoltaic Systems in Agricultural Environments: Research, Developments, Synergies", held on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at the CNR in Bologna, marked a turning point in the integration between renewable energy and agriculture. The event attracted wide participation from institutions, research bodies, industry associations, and energy sector operators. Sponsored by Elettricità Futura and AIAS - the Italian Association for Sustainable Agrivoltaics, the event welcomed over 400 registered participants, highlighting growing interest in the synergy between two fields traditionally seen as distant. It also underscored the importance of a clear regulatory framework for the development of renewable energy in agriculture, as a driver for Italy’s energy transition that respects the beauty of its territory and gives new energy to agriculture itself.

The introduction presented a different type of agrivoltaics—energy solarization of areas without access to electricity—emphasizing the central and at times revolutionary role of coexistence between photovoltaics and agriculture in enabling communities to survive and thrive.

The discussion opened with institutional greetings from Vincenzo Colla, Regional Minister for Economic Development, Green Economy, Labor, Training, and International Relations, who presented Emilia-Romagna as the first Italian region to develop specific agrivoltaic guidelines. He emphasized the region’s pioneering role in promoting synergies between agriculture and renewable energy. As the national regulatory framework evolves, these guidelines are being updated to align with new legislation, showing the Region's commitment to sustainable development and green energy innovation.

Agostino Re Rebaudengo, President of Elettricità Futura, stressed the importance of the event as a crucial moment to tackle challenges and clarify open issues concerning the integration of energy production and agriculture. He noted that the energy sector holds the necessary know-how and that the financial resources of energy companies, combined with PNRR funds, are essential to achieving Italy’s decarbonization targets by 2030. He called for a more defined regulatory framework to promote renewable energy in agriculture and boost the share of renewables in Italy’s energy mix.

Fabio Amico, Business Development Director at GreenGo, presented GreenGo’s innovative approach to agrivoltaics, emphasizing the involvement of local communities, farms, and universities. He showcased GreenGo’s project portfolio in Italy, highlighting how agrivoltaics—in its various technological forms—can foster biodiversity and even increase agricultural productivity in certain areas. GreenGo’s agrivoltaic development represents 48% of its total power pipeline, with 833 MW out of 1,720 MW. Amico emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to sustainably integrate photovoltaic systems into the landscape, balancing energy production with agriculture:

"The synergy between the energy sector, landscape architecture, research, and farms will be key to ensuring that agrivoltaics creates added value beyond the sum of its parts. At GreenGo, we have believed in agrivoltaics since our founding in 2018, and we remain at the forefront of supporting these innovative solutions, among the first to authorize advanced utility-scale agrivoltaic plants."

Alessandra Scognamiglio, as Coordinator of the Sustainable Agrivoltaic Task Force at ENEA and President of AIAS, presented a systemic vision of agrivoltaics. Her speech highlighted the importance of a transdisciplinary approach combining landscape, energy, and agriculture for sustainable agrivoltaic development. Through collaboration with a national network of over 300 members, the initiative aims to promote knowledge, define sustainability standards, and support the growth of a widespread agrivoltaic network. Scognamiglio also emphasized the ethical and ecological aspects of agrivoltaics, contributing to improved biodiversity and ecosystem services.

David Moser from Eurac presented the SYMBIOSYST project, supported by the European Union, which aims to create a mutually beneficial symbiosis between photovoltaics and agriculture. The project seeks to develop systems adaptable to crop type and landscape to maximize synergy between farming and electricity production, enhancing both energy output and crop yield. Moser stressed the importance of learning from other sectors to integrate photovoltaics into agriculture without compromising primary agricultural production.

The synergy between Patrizia Russo (Architect and Landscape Designer), Prof. Daniela Romano, and Prof. Alessandro D’Emilio from the Di3A Department at the University of Catania in the Monforte Agrivoltaic Park project, funded by GreenGo, is a prime example of interdisciplinary research and agrivoltaic application. This project, which inspired the event "Photovoltaic Systems in Agricultural Environments: Research, Developments, Synergies", highlights the integration of landscape architecture, agronomic studies, and microclimate analysis to support optimal coexistence of solar energy and agriculture. The goal is to create a sustainable, efficient, and environmentally respectful agrivoltaic model that offers innovation in both the renewable energy and sustainable agriculture sectors.

In her presentation on the Monforte Agrivoltaic Park, Patrizia Russo emphasized the importance of an integrated landscape approach in agrivoltaic installations. She promoted "creative conservation" as a method to balance technological development with landscape preservation, encouraging sustainable farming compatible with solar energy, rainwater recovery, biodiversity, and the site's educational and recreational accessibility.

Prof. Daniela Romano discussed best practices for integrating photovoltaic systems into agriculture, focusing on the Monforte Agrivoltaic Park. She emphasized the need for innovative solutions that do not disrupt farming activities, noting how agrivoltaic systems affect microclimates, soil moisture and temperature, and water distribution—ultimately improving water efficiency and biodiversity. She also analyzed how medicinal plants respond to shading, showing a positive impact on phytochemical quality and antioxidant activity.

Prof. Alessandro D’Emilio explored the microclimatic dynamics under agrivoltaic installations, focusing on the Monforte Park. Through detailed data collection and modeling, the research aims to understand the effects of PV panels on underlying environmental conditions to identify the most suitable plant species, optimizing coexistence between energy and agricultural production.

Cristina Brandozzi (Business Origination Manager) and Stefano Scazzola (Head of Renewable Development) of ENGIE Italia shared their experience in agrivoltaics, outlining an integrated business model for renewable energy with a focus on agriPV projects. Their work emphasizes operational sustainability, highlighting Italy’s first Corporate PPA with Amazon, covering 650 MW of plants across the US, France, and Italy. ENGIE’s agrivoltaic projects in Sicily reflect a commitment to responsible renewable energy supply, sustainable agricultural management, and effective integration into rural areas. The Mazara del Vallo Agrivoltaic Park, developed by ENGIE Italia, is one of the first large-scale agriPV projects in Italy, with a total capacity of 66 MW.

The plant represents a sustainable business model combining renewable energy production and agriculture. The project stands out for its attention to irrigation, biodiversity, and operational challenges like post-fire land management. “After overcoming the development and construction challenges and inaugurating the site last May, it’s time to take stock,” said Scazzola. “Now we can truly evaluate the effectiveness of coexisting agricultural and energy activities on the same land."

Guglielmo Garagnani, President of Confagricoltura Bologna, expressed strong support for agrivoltaics, highlighting that agriculture and energy are not competing sectors but rather allies for a mutually beneficial future. This vision underscores the importance of integrating renewable energy into farming to promote sustainable development and preserve agricultural and territorial resources.

Alessandro Zambonelli, an agricultural entrepreneur from Bologna, shared the story and evolution of the Zambonelli Farm, founded in the early 1800s and specializing in various crops, including industrial, medical, and cosmetic hemp. The farm uses innovative technologies such as automated irrigation and high-quality standards. Zambonelli stressed the importance of multifunctionality and self-sufficiency, from food and feed production to direct sales. The farm’s future includes renewable energy for self-consumption and the community, integrating agriculture and solar energy through collaboration with GreenGo.

"I'm very optimistic about the benefits of applying photovoltaics to my fields, even though what we're doing is experimental. The results will soon be visible," said Zambonelli. “What matters to me, as a farmer, isn’t the real estate operation but the opportunity to diversify my offer and gain market advantages—plus being able to use the energy I produce. This is where agrivoltaics becomes truly interesting: no longer a barrier, but rather a new, harmless and sustainable tool."

In her speech, Barbara Paulangelo, Partner at REA Reliable Energy Advisors, discussed Italian regulations favoring agrivoltaics, including streamlined authorization processes and PNRR incentives. She outlined the criteria for agrivoltaic systems, including experimental ones, and the reference tariffs for different plant sizes. Paulangelo compared the agrivoltaic decree with existing guidelines, calling for an innovative approach that does not compromise agricultural or pastoral activities. She also discussed technical and general requirements for accessing support measures, timelines, and causes for loss of incentives.

“The day provided plenty of insights to reflect on the importance of promoting synergy between renewable energy and agriculture, strengthening my conviction that agrivoltaics represents a crucial frontier for Italy’s energy transition,” said Paulangelo.

Gianfilippo Mignogna, Head of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at GreenGo, moderated the event with insightful remarks. Mignogna commented:

"This event showcases a true avant-garde movement exploring virtuous models in which agriculture and energy join forces to tackle and overcome the challenges of the energy transition and environmental sustainability. It can be done!"

The side event organized by GreenGo and NGO Sopowerful, hosted at GreenGo’s brand-new futuristic headquarters S/PARK (Via Matteotti 31, Bologna), offered a moment of in-depth discussion and networking focused on solar electrification, sustainable development, and the promotion of local food and wine excellence. Introduced in the morning, as a surprise, by Stefano Cruccu, the event allowed participants to hear firsthand about solar energy experiences as a driver of change in areas lacking access to electricity. A tasting of local specialties enriched the event, creating a space for dialogue among stakeholders from the energy, agricultural, and related sectors, underscoring the importance of an integrated sustainability approach that includes shared regulation, proper financing, cooperation, research, and the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.

About GreenGo

GreenGo, founded in 2018 as a start-up, has quickly achieved significant milestones under the leadership of Engineer Giuseppe Mastropieri, driven by the exceptional expertise and dedication of its growing team of high-profile professionals and managers. As of the end of 2023, the company includes 40 employees and collaborators, plus exclusive agents across the country.

Its partnership with the Eiffel Essentiel fund—starting in 2022 with €7 million in funding and renewed in 2023 with a €15 million equity bridge—has fueled GreenGo’s growth, positioning the company as a major player in Italy and Southern Europe in the development of utility-scale renewable energy plants and paving the way for its future in independent energy production, the primary goal of its current business plan.

As of today, GreenGo’s pipeline has reached 1.7 GW, with 1.1 GW of renewable energy projects under approval.

Since September 2023, GreenGo has been headquartered at the new green hub S/PARK - Sustainability Workplace, located at Via G. Matteotti 31/2, Bologna. Designed and developed by Fimm S.r.l., the building represents a major redevelopment of a site of architectural and urban significance. It serves as a benchmark for Italy’s green economy, housing the operational entities of the Group and welcoming businesses, professionals, institutions, and the public