In the heart of lower Molise, a region with a centuries-old agricultural vocation, a project is taking shape destined to mark a turning point towards environmental sustainability and agricultural innovation. It’s about the “GUGLIONESI” Agrivoltaic Park.
The path towards environmental and agricultural sustainability is achieved with a innovative project that combines sustainability and solar energy production. And which will see involved, in the role of workers, disadvantaged peoplewho will be able to see a precious employment opportunity materialize.
On the one hand, therefore, the recovery of abandoned land or in the process of being abandoned, on the other the production of energy and finally work. And it is not science fiction, but a project whose authorization process at the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) is well underway.
With a nominal power of 190.08 MWp, the park will cover an area of approximately 347 hectares mainly in the municipality of Guglionesi and to a small extent in Montenero di Bisaccia, while the electrical substation will be located in Montecilfone.
The project area extends over 14 different areas, with dimensions varying from 15 to 30 hectares each, located mainly in the Guglionesi area, with a small part in that of Montenero di Bisaccia. These areas are characterized by residual agriculture and ongoing abandonment processes, which have led to a degradation of agricultural resources and the loss of territorial and social identity.
One of the peculiarities of the project is the destination of most of the surface (about 80%) to sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, leaving only the remaining 20% covered by photovoltaic panels. An approach that overturns the traditional paradigm of photovoltaic systems, which usually involve the conversion of agricultural land into areas for energy production.
In this context, the Molise pilot project aims to promote the recovery and regeneration of soil and agricultural production, as well as the rebirth of new community social fabrics in areas affected by degradation and abandonment. An initiative that aims not only at the production of clean energy, but also at the regeneration and valorisation of the territory, while preserving local agricultural and cultural traditions.
There connection to the National Electricity Grid will take place in the Terna substation under construction in Montecilfone, guaranteeing efficient distribution of the energy produced. “The production of renewable energy can be harmoniously integrated with agricultural activity and environmental protection, promoting sustainable development that respects the natural and cultural resources of the territory” explain the promoters, who insert the debate within what is happening in Molise even after the regional law proposal to regulate land intended for energy production presented by the Democratic Party in the Council.
There are multiple objectives, which start from the challenge of addressing the environmental, productive and socio-cultural degradation of agriculture in the region, through the regeneration of the soil and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. The design of the park involves the construction of photovoltaic modules placed at a minimum height to allow the passage of farmed animals, thus allowing agricultural activities to be carried out both under and around the solar panels.
Transforming uncultivated and abandoned land into cutting-edge infrastructure, aimed at production of solar electricity and simultaneous agricultural activity: this is the final aim of the Agrivoltaic Park which “represents a real revolution in the agriculture and renewable energy sector in Molise. It is not just a source of clean energy, but a concrete opportunity to regenerate the soil and promote sustainable and profitable agriculture”, he explains Giuseppe Giulianoowner of the consultancy and multidisciplinary services company for businesses, universities and research centers based in Termoli.
One of the peculiarities is its compliance with the guidelines for Agrivoltaic Systems, developed by a working group made up of institutions such as CREA, GSE, ENEA and RSE. This model differs from traditional photovoltaic systems, as it integrates the production of solar energy with compatible agricultural activities and focuses on an area characterized by little productive agricultural interest, as indicated by a study specifically conducted by professors Colombo and Avino of the Department of Agriculture of the University of Molise. The study highlights the degradation of agricultural resources in this area, which was once considered a valuable area for cereal and livestock production but which today has been transformed into an area with progressive hydrogeological instability, pollution of the soil and water resources, as well as the abandonment of agricultural crops and general neglect. Through soil sampling, it emerged that the land falls into Class IV of Capacity for Use, confirming the need for targeted interventions for its recovery and valorisation.
The model ofagri-park, the process of which is underway and which will soon be a reality – it differs from traditional photovoltaic systems, as it integrates the production of solar energy with compatible agricultural activities and, in this case, fodder, legumes, aromatic plants, poultry. The Park is divided into 14 sites with variable dimensions and agronomic characteristics, a diversity that allows the conduct of different agricultural activities by subjects with different profiles and skills.
But what will be the concrete impacts of this project? In addition to the production of clean energy, the Agrivoltaic Park aims to create new job opportunities, boost the local economy and restore soil fertility. Through a careful selection of agricultural operators, which include young agricultural technicians, local farmers and disadvantaged subjects, the project aims to actively involve the local community and promote the dignity of people and the identity of the territories.
The management and management of the agricultural production component of the park will be entrusted to the SPIN-OFF of University of Molise AGRI-REGENERATIVE Società Benefit srl. It is a spin-off made up of professionals with experience in the field of regenerative agriculture, which aims to promote and support the transition towards sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices.
The primary objective of AGRI-REGENERATIVE is to develop a multi-year plan for the use of the park’s land according to the principles of regenerative agriculture. This plan aims to enhance the agricultural potential of the area, strengthening the identity and social and cultural ties of the local community. The company selects and stipulates agreements with individuals who operate directly in agricultural activity, promoting collaboration and synergy with non-profit organizations and other Third Sector entities whose purpose is aligned with that of the company. This approach aims to maximize the positive impact on the territory and the environment, actively involving the local community and other stakeholders. AGRI-REGENERATIVE constantly monitors agricultural activities through environmental and socio-economic analyses, using advanced technologies to optimize interaction with the environment. Furthermore, it operates an online portal to make monitoring results public and promote transparency and information sharing. To finance its activities, the spin-off receives a service fee based on the revenues generated by the agricultural activity in the Agrivoltaic Park. This economic model incentivizes the company to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations, while ensuring economic and social benefit for the local community and the surrounding environment.
In addition to representing a significant turning point for Molise, it is also configured as a replicable model for other regions with similar problems, offering an innovative and sustainable solution for the regeneration of declining agricultural lands on a larger scale. With stewardship and management focused on sustainability and transparency, this project aims to change the face of agriculture and energy in the region, offering hope for a better and more sustainable future.
