Vizzini Agrivoltaic Project | Large-Scale Solar and Agriculture in Italy

Construction is underway on what is set to become Italy’s largest agrivoltaic installation

European Energy is developing one of Italy’s largest agrivoltaic projects. The Vizzini project in Sicily combines solar energy and agriculture in a scalable, utility-scale installation. It is designed to generate electricity while keeping the land in active agricultural use — a combination that required both technical precision and sustained engagement with local communities throughout the development process.

How the project works

Agrivoltaics — the practice of combining solar energy generation with agricultural activity on the same land — is central to the Vizzini design. Solar panels are installed 1.3 metres above ground level, leaving sufficient clearance for both vegetation growth and the free movement of livestock across the site. Approximately 820 sheep will graze throughout the plant area, supported by maintained pastures, reflecting growing use of solar grazing in agrivoltaic projects.

The dual-use model means the land does not cease to be productive once the solar infrastructure is in place (Barron-Gafford et al., 2019). Agricultural activity continues — it simply operates alongside electricity generation rather than being displaced by it. Once operational, the project is expected to produce approximately 405 GWh of renewable electricity each year — equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of more than 135,000 households.

Designed around the local area

The project includes measures that go beyond the physical footprint of the installation. More than 90 hectares of land are dedicated to reforestation, and a further 25 hectares is allocated to specific mitigation measures, including the planting of olive trees and prickly pears. Further, 25 hectares will be maintained in natural conditions.

These commitments were not incorporated after the fact. They were the outcome of a structured consultation process with local stakeholders and authorities, and their associated costs were built into the project from the outset. Projects like Vizzini demonstrate how agrivoltaics can integrate renewable energy development with local agriculture and biodiversity.

Investment profile and revenue framework

The project is backed by a Contract for Difference (CfD) awarded under Italy’s FER X Transitional auction scheme, providing long-term revenue visibility. Vizzini is one of five solar projects European Energy has secured under this scheme, covering a total of 513 MW across Sicily, Puglia and Molise. Engineering, procurement and construction are being managed by European Energy in collaboration with local contractors, suppliers and technical partners from the surrounding region.