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Is it possible to combine agricultural production and electricity generation on the same land?

Oxy Capital

Is it possible to combine agricultural production and electricity generation on the same land?

Is AGROVOLTAIC energy a reality? Stefano Visalli, CEO of OxyCapital Italy, reveals the keys to the project

Stefano Visalli is an entrepreneur and consultant specializing in top management. He founded Oxy Capital in Italy in 2016, focusing on restructuring heavily indebted industrial companies. Building on Oxy Capital’s experience in Portugal, his goal is to help banks recover value from distressed projects. In addition, Visalli is a strong supporter of innovation and financial technology, having founded and invested in alternative financing platforms.

Tell us about the main objectives of the Oxy Eos project and the company’s mission

Oxy Eos (Solar Oil Energy) is an innovative initiative promoted by Oxy Capital, a private equity investment firm with extensive experience in the solar energy and agricultural management sectors. The company specializes in the development and management of olive plantations, integrating advanced technologies with a strong focus on sustainability. In partnership with Olio Dante S.p.A., an international leader in the olive oil supply chain, Oxy Eos aims to create a 100% Italian olive oil production chain that is fully integrated and traceable. Thanks to solid experience in projects that combine agricultural production with renewable energy solutions, Oxy Eos has positioned itself as a benchmark in merging sustainable agriculture with responsible solar energy. We firmly believe it is possible to combine agricultural production with electricity generation on the same land. Agrovoltaic energy is becoming an increasingly established reality.

What characteristics must the ideal land have for an agrovoltaic project?

Currently, only 1% of dry farmland is dedicated to the agrovoltaic model. For a project to succeed, the ideal land must maximize solar capture while allowing simultaneous agricultural production. Combining solar power generation with food production minimizes the visual impact of solar structures on the landscape—an essential aspect in achieving ecological transition goals while ensuring economic benefits for farmers.

How are olive plantations integrated with solar panels?

The agrovoltaic project includes double rows of olive hedges between the photovoltaic panels. This configuration makes optimal use of the land while simplifying maintenance work. Operationally, we focus on vertical integration to ensure long-term sustainability, using advanced control and monitoring techniques. Our projects meet high technical and regulatory standards, and we adopt highly automated production methods with professional plantation management. Agriculture 4.0 technologies are employed to protect the soil, conserve water, and promote environmental sustainability.
Each plantation must be carefully designed based on energy and oil production goals, taking into account the characteristics of the soil, climate, water availability, and geometry. Generally, a “between-the-rows” system is installed, with single-axis solar trackers spaced 11 to 12 meters apart, ensuring enough room for all agricultural and electrical maintenance operations. Special attention must be given to the intersections between irrigation system pipes and low- and medium-voltage (LV and MV) electrical conduits, as well as to the perimeter and internal roads, which must be sized to accommodate large vehicles.

What are the investments and profitability of an agrovoltaic project?

Investing in super-intensive olive groves for agrovoltaic projects not only generates significant returns but also facilitates the approval of photovoltaic permits by local and regional authorities in Italy. Oxy Capital has strong experience in the sector, enabling synergies through long-term contracts for olive oil commercialization with our partner company, Olio Dante. The profitability of super-intensive olive groves ranges between 1.5 and 2 tons of oil per hectare, generating revenues of about €6,500 per hectare. The investment required to establish a super-intensive olive grove is approximately €13,000 per hectare, covering planting, infrastructure, irrigation systems, and machinery.

What are your future plans for expanding the Oxy Eos project?

Our future plans include seeking new strategic alliances, expanding our operational areas, and integrating additional sustainable technologies into our processes. We are committed to continuous innovation and to promoting the integration of agriculture and renewable energy, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future for everyone.
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