Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) is set to host its first grazing training session at the Morrow Lake Solar facility in Frio County, Texas, on October 23, 2025. The event is being organized in collaboration with the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) and will bring together solar industry professionals, grazing experts, and community partners to explore the benefits and practices of agrivoltaics — a sustainable approach that combines renewable energy production with agricultural land use. The training aims to demonstrate how large-scale solar projects can coexist with sustainable agriculture, creating a balance between clean energy generation and land stewardship.

As part of its broader sustainability strategy, LRE has integrated solar grazing into its vegetation management program. This approach not only maintains site vegetation but also supports soil restoration, prevents erosion, extends pollinator bloom cycles, reduces chemical usage, and lowers carbon emissions. By allowing livestock, particularly sheep, to graze around solar installations, LRE promotes biodiversity and enhances ecosystem health while maintaining the operational efficiency of its solar projects.

Willem van der Ven, Chief Operating Officer at LRE, emphasized that hosting this training reflects the company’s deep commitment to responsible development and environmental care. He stated that LRE collaborates with experts in soil science, ecology, and regenerative agriculture to develop vegetation management plans that strengthen local ecosystems. According to him, adopting practices like solar grazing helps create long-term value for the land, local communities, and the environment as a whole.

The certification training is open to solar professionals from various disciplines, including asset management, operations, project development, sustainability, community engagement, construction, and engineering. It is designed to provide valuable insights for participants at all levels — from on-site technicians to senior management — ensuring that everyone gains a practical understanding of integrating grazing into solar operations.

The training program covers a wide range of topics, such as grazing and vegetation management techniques, sheep care and behavior near equipment, safety measures and hazard response, integrating livestock guardian dogs, designing sheep-friendly solar layouts, and building strong partnerships with local grazers.

LRE is proud to be part of ASGA’s 2025 certification training series, an initiative dedicated to advancing the practice of agrivoltaics. This collaboration highlights a shared goal of improving environmental outcomes, enhancing renewable energy project sustainability, and fostering stronger connections between the clean energy and agricultural sectors. Through initiatives like this, LRE continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and community partnership.