Building permit secured for first solar power plant in Italy

Fred. Olsen Renewables is proud to announce that we have received the building permit for our first-ever solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant, located in the Lazio region of Italy.

The plant will have a capacity of 6 MWp and is designed as an agrivoltaics system, integrating clean energy production with sustainable agricultural activity. The project team in Italy will continue to mature the project with the aim of reaching a final investment decision. The plant will be able to provide enough power for around 4300 Italian homes.

The solar plant layout has been planned to accommodate both energy generation and agricultural use. The mounting structure height will be 1.3 m (min) to 3.26 m (max) and spacing at a minimum of 3.14 m between rows. In addition, a fence will be installed to secure the power plant’s perimeter.

To further enhance the ecological value of the site, the project includes multifunctional hedgerows, covering around 5,200 square meters. These hedgerows will be composed of native shrub species and are designed to increase biodiversity, improve soil health and stability as they will adapt to the surrounding landscape, and support wildlife, especially pollinators and birds.

“This project is a landmark for Fred. Olsen Renewables, not only because it expands our footprint into Italy, but because it marks our entry into solar energy. We are proud to combine innovation with environmental stewardship through agrivoltaics, and to contribute to biodiversity and local agricultural traditions,” said Sofie Olsen Jebsen, CEO of Fred. Olsen Renewables.

The project will support sheep grazing beneath and around the solar panels. An agreement with a local family-run business, Il Vecchio Ovile, with expertise in livestock and local food production will secure the continuation of sheep farming throughout the operational phase of the plant. Il Vecchio Ovile are specifically focusing on the Sopravissana breed, a native Italian sheep known for its triple-purpose use: meat, milk, and wool. This breed is currently classified as at risk of extinction due to its declining population and economic viability.