Agro-energy, the greenhouse model of the future

It feels like entering an enchanted garden: flourishing vegetation, works of art, shady and almost picnic areas: this is the social garden that extends over a hectare of land. And yet it is only the reception area of a very special farm, one might say avant-garde. We are in Vittoria, in the province of Ragusa, in what is known as the transformed area: land of greenhouse cultivation, home of the fruit and vegetables that leave from here to reach the large Italian and European markets. And this is a farm that grows cherry tomatoes, peppers in greenhouses. It is called Agroenergie and it is also a peculiar company, indeed a case because the business model is not only agriculture but also energy and in particular photovoltaic energy. Yes, because this company is part of Energiainrete, a joint stock company based in Comiso (Ragusa) that builds its own photovoltaic plants and sells renewable energy. It is a company that aims to be a flywheel for the surrounding realities and above all to demonstrate how virtuous examples of sustainable and technological agriculture that can compete with the excellent agriculture of northern Europe (see Holland) can be born in the extreme south of Europe.

Agroenergie, administered by two women and one man (Adriana Lo Monaco, Giuseppina Bombace, Matteo Baglieri), covers 15 hectares of land, 10 hectares of which are newly built greenhouses alone: last year the company closed with a turnover of just over 900 thousand euros, of which 119 thousand from the energy division, up overall from the 2023 turnover of 766 thousand euros..

"Our vision is based on the intelligent and multifunctional use of the land," Adriana Lo Monaco says. "Cultivation takes place under photovoltaic panels, combining agricultural and energy production on the same surfaces, thus promoting environmental sustainability. This model represents a greenhouse of the future, designed to have zero impact on CO2 emissions and a positive impact on the environment, producing clean energy like solar energy and contributing to the oxygenation of the atmosphere. Greenhouses with photovoltaic systems are now a well-established reality and can guarantee excellent production yields without compromising crop quality. During the summer period, no problems have been encountered: the presence of photovoltaic panels eliminates the need to darken the greenhouses, guaranteeing an optimal balance between light and protection. Thanks to the cultivation under the net, the indoor microclimate is ideal, avoiding the classic greenhouse effect and offering a more comfortable environment for the operators as well.

The next challenge will be the introduction of additional light sources to fill any gaps, a technology already successfully tested at one of Agroenergie's strawberry production sites. Not only production but also commercial innovation: the company not only offers its products, but its entire production system, presented as a unique and sustainable model that respects the environment and biodiversity. An approach that has found broad consensus among commercial partners, who recognise the added value of an innovative system that conforms to the standards of large-scale organised distribution.