EDP has inaugurated Monti di Eboli, its first European solar park designed for dual land use, combining renewable energy generation with livestock grazing. Located in Salerno, in the Campania region of southern Italy, the project demonstrates how solar energy can coexist with traditional rural practices, promoting sustainable land use while contributing to the local economy.

With an installed capacity of 10 MWp (8.3 MWac), the facility is equipped with tracking photovoltaic structures that follow the sun’s path to optimize energy output. Nearly 17,000 solar modules produce around 17 GWh of clean electricity per year, equivalent to the consumption of approximately 6,500 households, while avoiding more than 7,200 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

The site also serves as pasture for about 250 sheep, which help naturally control vegetation under the panels. This practice reduces the need for mechanical mowing, lowers maintenance costs, and enhances the site’s environmental performance. In return, the animals benefit from the shade provided by the panels, which reduces their water needs and helps preserve grass cover during dry periods — creating a balanced coexistence between energy production and farming.

“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,” said Miguel Stilwell d’Andrade, CEO of EDP Group, during the inauguration ceremony. “Our vision goes beyond producing clean electricity: it’s about developing energy solutions that work in harmony with local economies, protect natural resources, and create long-term value for communities.”

EDP plans to replicate this agrivoltaic approach across Europe, with new projects combining renewable generation and agricultural activities already under development in Italy, France, and Germany.

As part of its local investment plan, EDP, through EDP Energia Italia, will also install distributed solar systems in two public schools in the province of Salerno. Together, these installations will add 0.2 MWp of capacity and generate more than 300 MWh per year, allowing the schools to cover part of their electricity demand with locally produced clean energy.

EDP has been operating in Italy since 2010 and currently manages nearly 600 MW of utility-scale wind and solar projects across the country. Since 2019, the company has also expanded its presence in distributed generation for corporate clients, with a contracted capacity of 150 MWp, reinforcing its position as a key player in Italy’s energy transition.