EDP inaugurates its first solar park integrating livestock farming in Europe
EDP has inaugurated Monti di Eboli, its first European photovoltaic plant designed for dual use of land through grazing and pasture. Located in Southwest Italy, in the province of Salerno (Campania), the project showcases how renewable energy generation can coexist with traditional land management practices, contributing to both local clean energy production and sustainable use of the land.
With an installed capacity of 10 MWp (8.3 MWac), the facility integrates tracking photovoltaic structures that optimize energy yield by adjusting panel orientation to the sun. Nearly 17,000 modules generate around 17 GWh of clean energy per year, equivalent to the electricity consumption of approximately 6,500 households, while avoiding more than 7,200 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
The site is also a grazing ground for around 250 sheep, which naturally control vegetation under the panels. This reduces the need for mechanical mowing, cuts operational costs, and improves site sustainability. In return, the animals benefit from shade that lowers their water needs and helps maintain grass cover during drought periods, creating a balanced system for both energy production and farming.
EDP is extending this approach of combining renewable generation assets with pasture across Europe, with new grazing or agricultural use projects already in the pipeline in Italy, France, and Germany.
“Monti di Eboli is EDP’s first utility-scale solar plant in Europe to integrate grazing, and it stands as a clear example of how we innovate in the design of our renewable projects. Our vision goes beyond producing clean electricity: it is about developing energy solutions that work in harmony with local economies, protect natural resources, and create long-term value for communities. By combining advanced solar technology with sustainable land use, we are demonstrating that the energy transition can, and must, go hand in hand with agriculture and rural development”, highlights Miguel Stilwell d’Andrade, CEO of EDP Group.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place this Thursday, October 9, was attended by regional authorities from Campania and EDP. Participants included Miguel Stilwell d’Andrade and key representatives for Europe.
As part of its local investment plan, EDP, through EDP Energia Italia, will also install distributed solar plants in two public schools in the province of Salerno. Together, these systems will add 0.2 MWp of capacity and generate more than 300 MWh annually, allowing the schools to partially cover their electricity needs with locally produced clean energy.
EDP has been present in Italy since 2010 and currently operates nearly 600 MW of utility-scale wind and solar projects across the country. Since 2019, the company has also expanded into distributed generation for corporate clients, with a contracted capacity of 150 MWp.