Austrian Agri-PV Project Promises 22 GWh Annually

• Energie Steiermark and Enery Development are revolutionizing green energy near Graz with a groundbreaking agri-PV facility, powering 6,000 homes while championing sustainability and sheep farming!

Energie Steiermark and Enery Development have begun construction on an agri-PV facility near Graz, Austria, expected to generate over 22 GWh of solar electricity annually. The joint investment amounts to approximately EUR 13 million (USD 14.6 million), with the project set to be operational by 2025, supplying green energy to over 6,000 households and reducing carbon emissions by over 6,300 tonnes each year. The facility will span 20 hectares and combine electricity production with sheep farming.

This solar park will be the largest photovoltaic project in Styria, contributing to a target of quadrupling solar production by 2030. Energie Steiermark, which added 340 MW of solar capacity in 2023, plans to invest over EUR 1.5 billion in infrastructure enhancements and renewable energy, with EUR 600 million earmarked specifically for solar power expansion. The company's initiative aims for an additional 300 MW capacity, enough to power more than 100,000 households through solar energy.

How will the new agri-PV facility impact solar energy production in Styria?

Impact of the New Agri-PV Facility on Solar Energy Production in Styria

• Increased Solar Capacity: The agri-PV facility will significantly contribute to Styria's renewable energy landscape, bolstering the region's solar capacity and moving towards the ambitious goal of quadrupling solar production by 2030.
• Sustainable Land Use: By integrating solar energy production with sheep farming, the facility exemplifies innovative land-use practices that allow for dual function – agricultural and energy generation – without consuming additional land solely for solar panels.
• Job Creation: The construction and operational phases of the agri-PV facility are expected to create new employment opportunities in both energy and agriculture sectors, fostering local economic growth.
• Enhanced Energy Security: The facility will support local energy independence by generating renewable electricity, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to the stability of the energy grid.
• Community Engagement: As the project will supply green energy to over 6,000 households, it encourages community buy-in and support for renewable energy initiatives, fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
• Educational Opportunities: The agri-PV facility could serve as a model for educational programs, showcasing the benefits of combining renewable energy and agriculture, and providing a platform for research and development in agrivoltaics.
• Environmental Impact Reduction: By decreasing carbon emissions by over 6,300 tonnes annually, the facility contributes to significant improvements in air quality and ecological health in the region.
• Support for Future Projects: The success of this agri-PV facility could inspire other similar projects in Styria and beyond, accelerating the adoption of such integrated systems and promoting further investments in renewable energy.
• Alignment with Regional Policies: This initiative aligns with regional and national policies that prioritize the transition to sustainable energy sources, demonstrating Styria’s commitment to meeting climate goals.
• Potential for Technological Advancements: The project presents opportunities for innovations in solar technology, crop management techniques, and sustainability practices that could enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of future renewable energy projects.
• Cultivation of Renewable Energy Expertise: The agri-PV facility positions Styria as a leader in combining agriculture and renewable energy, attracting interest and expertise that could propel the region to the forefront of agrivoltaics on a broader scale.