Agrivoltaics in Italy has conquered its space. New plants can be built on cultivated land without creating production "conflicts". The Ministry of Ecological Transition has issued the guidelines for future installations which must absolutely not damage the crops. The ministerial document speaks of virtuous solutions and improvements compared to what has been done so far. We shouldn't see more plants on intensive areas, often a source of controversy between farmers and energy companies. Now we change pace. Among the main players who have implemented the new rules is ENEA which has a dedicated structure within it: AgrivoltaicoSostenibile@ ENEA.
Agrivoltaic, 600 accessions to the Enea network
In May 2021, the institution launched the National network for sustainable agri-voltaic which today has over 600 members. ENEA could not omit its scientific and analytical contribution to the guidelines of Minister Cingolani, inserting the minimum characteristics and requirements of the plants to also access the incentives of the PNRR. In other words, the national network is strengthened precisely when the new ministerial rules come into force.
On the other hand, the European energy emergency pushes us to find alternative solutions to fossil fuels and the Italian research centers are on the front line to support the government. For the development of agri-voltaics, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan has provided for an iInvestment of 1,1 billion euros to install a capacity of 1,04 GW. When fully operational, we should have 1.300 GWh of non-impact energy per year, with 0,8 million tons of CO2.in less. Alessandra Scognamiglio of the ENEA Center in Portici and coordinator of the AgrivoltaicoSostenibile@ ENEA task force hopes "that the regulatory framework will become increasingly clear and concise". Furthermore, the entire Italian project will be among the main themes of the World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion (WCPEC) scheduled in Milan from 26 to 30 September 2022. In this regard it was announced that during the event the winning projects of the international competition "Agrivoltaic for Noah's Ark" for the design of the best agrivoltaic garden will be awarded.
A network of excellence to combine photovoltaics and agriculture
To obtain these good performances, the organization chaired by Gilberto Dialuce has organized a series of dedicated events. The growing number of members therefore confirms the synergies between the participating subjects, compares experiences and above all explores industrial, environmental and social policies. The network coordinated by ENEA – clarifies a note – brings together public institutions, companies, trade associations, the world of research and civil society with the aim of promoting the dissemination of knowledge and promoting Italian excellence in the sectors of new technologies for renewable energy. We seem to be on the right track.
