Study visit to Imola, Italy within the frame of EAGER project
In the period of 11th and 12th of June 2025, a Study Visit within the frame of the EAGER project – “Easing AGrophotovoltaics for EuRope”, co-funded by the Interreg Europe Programme 2021-2027, took place in Imola, Italy. The host of the event was the Association Nuovo Circondario Imolese (NCI).
On the first working day, the meeting started with a welcome speech by a representative from the institution NCI (Mayor of Castel Guelfo di Bologna, Claudio Franceschi, delegate for Agricultural Policies for the Nuovo Circondario Imolese). EAGER partners and stakeholders from the participating regions became familiar with the state of the agrophotovoltaics at national and regional levels. The regulatory framework, current status, and specific actions were presented to the participants. The future project prospects were also discussed.
During the event, various stakeholders presented presentations on some specific topics such as renewable energy sources used in the agricultural sector of Emilia-Romagna region and green energy systems deployed in Italy.
At the end of the day, the project administration and pending activities were discussed at a Steering Committee meeting. Then the participants took a guided tour around Imola City.
The second day of the event was set aside for site visits across the municipality of Imola and Emilia-Romagna region. The first visit was to Zama Agricultural Company (Faenza). It is a family-run farm specializing in high-quality honey and walnut production using sustainable and traditional methods. The company is known for its artisanal products, direct sales, and commitment to natural, eco-friendly practices. During the visit, an example of coexistence between photovoltaic systems and sheep grazing was presented. The upcoming construction of an advanced agrivoltaic plant on the company’s land was also announced and explained in detail by Mirasole, the renewable energy provider overseeing the project.
After that, EAGER partners and stakeholders made a tour of the Castel Bolognese region to see the agrophotovoltaics and learned more about the “Agritalyco” project, from Eco – the Photovoltaic Group, which focuses on integrating agrivoltaic systems – solar panels installed above agricultural land to enhance the sustainability of agri-food supply chains. The project aims to decarbonize the sector by optimizing land use and improving energy efficiency.
The last destination was at CLAI company in Imola. The delegation visited their Combined Cooling, Heat and Power (CCHP) plant, also known as a cogeneration plant. It is a state-of-the-art facility that produces electricity, thermal energy, and chilled water for the company activities. It significantly reduces reliance on the electricity grid and utilizes waste heat to improve energy efficiency and lower emissions. During the visit, there was also discussion about the biogas production plant built by the cooperative to valorize organic waste, in line with a circular economy approach.
The study visit concluded with an exciting site visit of the famous Imola Circuit for motor racings which also implemented interesting RES measures based on roof PVs from Bryo, a green energy supplier in Imola.
More about EAGER:
With the EU aiming for significant renewable energy expansion, agro-photovoltaic (APV) systems can bridge land optimization difficulties by combining solar energy production with crop cultivation on the same parcel of land. APV also offers investment opportunities for numerous stakeholders and fosters collaboration with local communities in their transition to renewable energy.
The EAGER project facilitates the adoption of agro-photovoltaic systems across partner regions. By fostering a shared understanding of this technology, identifying best practices, and enhancing policy instruments, this project is paving the way for a greener future.
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