Engie, a French multinational electric utility company, and Amazon, the global e-commerce giant, have jointly inaugurated Italy's largest agrivoltaic farm. Located near the city of Trapani in Sicily, this innovative solar power facility combines the production of renewable energy with agricultural activities.
The agrivoltaic farm employs photovoltaic panels strategically positioned at an elevated height, allowing for the cultivation of crops in the fields beneath them. Through a corporate power purchase agreement, the majority of the electricity generated by the 66 megawatt (MW) plant will be supplied to Amazon, while the remaining portion will be fed into the Italian power grid.
See also: Italy Approves 13 Agrivoltaic Projects for Streamlined Large-Scale Installations
In addition to the existing farm, Engie and Amazon have committed to establishing another agrivoltaic facility in Sicily, scheduled to commence operations by the end of this year. With both farms operational, the combined installed capacity is expected to reach 104 MW, further bolstering renewable energy production.
Engie estimates that these two facilities will contribute to an annual reduction of over 62,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. This significant environmental impact showcases the potential of agrivoltaic farms in promoting sustainable energy generation while supporting agricultural practices.
Looking ahead, Amazon Italy has set a target to power all its operations with renewable energy by 2025, demonstrating its commitment to a greener future. Engie's Italian subsidiary aims to reach an impressive 2 gigawatts (GW) of installed green capacity by 2030, as stated by CEO Monica Iacono.
The collaboration between Engie and Amazon in establishing Italy's largest agrivoltaic farm marks a significant milestone in the country's renewable energy sector. Through this initiative, sustainable power generation and agricultural productivity intertwine, contributing to Italy's pursuit of a greener and more sustainable future.
