European Energy Begins Construction Of Major 225.5 MW Agrivoltaic Project In Sicily, Italy

Construction is currently underway on the Vizzini agrivoltaic project in Sicily, which is set to become one of the largest of its kind in Italy. The project is being developed by European Energy and combines solar power generation with continued agricultural use of the same land. It is designed to produce renewable electricity while keeping farming activity active, rather than replacing it.

The project is located in Vizzini, Sicily, and will have a total installed capacity of 225.5 MW. Once operational, it is expected to generate around 405 GWh of electricity each year, which is enough to meet the annual consumption of more than 135,000 households. At the same time, it is projected to avoid approximately 162,090 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. The solar installation will cover an area of about 260 hectares, with operations expected to begin in 2027

.A key feature of the project is its agrivoltaic design, which allows energy production and agriculture to coexist on the same land. The solar panels are installed at a height of 1.3 metres above ground level, leaving enough space for vegetation to grow underneath and for livestock to move freely. Around 820 sheep are expected to graze across the site, supporting natural land management through solar grazing practices.

This dual-use approach ensures that the land remains productive for agriculture while also generating renewable energy. Instead of displacing farming activities, the system allows agriculture and electricity production to operate side by side. This model reflects a growing global interest in combining land use efficiency with clean energy development. European Energy has been active in Italy for more than two decades and has developed a strong pipeline of renewable energy projects in the country.

One of its earlier major developments was the Troia solar park in Puglia, which was the largest solar facility in Italy at the time of its commissioning in 2020. The Vizzini project continues this development approach and is expected to become a new benchmark for large-scale agrivoltaic installations once completed.The project has also been carefully designed to support the surrounding environment and local community.

More than 90 hectares of land within the project area will be dedicated to reforestation efforts, while an additional 25 hectares will be used for environmental mitigation, including the planting of olive trees and prickly pear plants. Another 25 hectares will be left in a natural state to preserve local biodiversity. These measures were developed through consultation with local stakeholders and authorities, and their costs were included in the project planning from the beginning

.According to European Energy, the project has been developed through close cooperation with local communities, with a focus on integrating renewable energy infrastructure into the surrounding landscape while also supporting agriculture, biodiversity, and environmental restoration.The project’s financial structure is supported by a Contract for Difference (CfD) awarded under Italy’s FER X Transitional auction scheme, which provides long-term revenue stability.

Vizzini is one of five solar projects secured by European Energy under this scheme, representing a combined capacity of 513 MW across regions including Sicily, Puglia, and Molise. Engineering, procurement, and construction activities are being carried out by European Energy in partnership with local contractors and suppliers, helping to ensure regional involvement in project delivery.