Circular Economy in Action: Iberdrola Integrates Livestock Grazing in Portuguese Solar Farms

(IN BRIEF) Iberdrola, a renewable energy company, has launched a “solar grazing” initiative in Portugal. They have introduced around 300 sheep to graze in their photovoltaic parks. This practice benefits livestock farmers by providing new grazing spaces and protects the solar farms by maintaining the land and reducing the risk of fires. The sheep also benefit from access to food and shelter from the elements. This integrated approach combines renewable energy production with the needs of the community and promotes soil regeneration, biodiversity, and local job creation. Overall, it is a win-win situation for the shepherds, Iberdrola, and the sheep themselves.

(PRESS RELEASE) BILBAO, 23-Jun-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Iberdrola (BME: IBE), a Spanish multinational leader in clean energy and a pioneer in the deployment of smart grids, announces that it has launched an innovative “solar grazing” program in Portugal, enabling nearly 300 sheep to utilize its photovoltaic parks as sustainable grazing grounds. This groundbreaking initiative showcases a prime example of circular economy principles, benefiting multiple stakeholders in various ways.

The introduction of “solar grazing” provides livestock farmers with new and expanded spaces for their activities, fostering growth within the industry. Simultaneously, it positively impacts our solar farms by ensuring the ecological maintenance of the land and significantly reducing the risk of fires. Additionally, the sheep themselves benefit from access to food and find shelter from the elements, including protection from the sun, rain, and wind through the installation of solar panels.

To date, we have successfully introduced 200 sheep to the Algeruz II photovoltaic plant, located in the district of Setúbal, our inaugural solar infrastructure project in Portugal boasting an impressive installed capacity of 28 MW. Moreover, the Conde PV plant in Palmela, which was completed last year, has been utilized for grazing by a flock of 70 sheep. As part of our ongoing efforts, we are currently in the process of introducing 200 sheep to the Alcochete I and II farms.

Beyond its immediate advantages, “solar grazing” significantly contributes to soil regeneration, supports local hunting activities, and bolsters the regional economy. By integrating renewable energy production with the practices and needs of the local population, this initiative underscores our commitment to an inclusive and holistic approach to sustainable energy development in Portugal.

“At Iberdrola we work to ensure that renewable energy generation structures coexist positively with the population, generating local employment and supporting different initiatives aligned with the primary sector, such as the planting of vineyards or the installation of beehives. Our goal is to promote the transition towards a new socio-economic model that is climate neutral, resilient, sustainable and inclusive“, says Alejandra Reyna, Country Manager of Iberdrola Renováveis in Portugal. 

This novel grazing practice yields an array of positive externalities for the community at large. Not only does it generate local employment opportunities, but it also stimulates growth in sectors such as livestock farming. Furthermore, the sheep’s presence enriches the soil with vital nutrients and facilitates the dispersal of new seeds, fostering biodiversity in a natural and harmonious manner.

By effectively managing vegetation height, this practice contributes to the prevention of fires, resulting in reduced maintenance costs for the affected areas. The realization of this new ecosystem creates a mutually beneficial outcome for all involved parties, including the shepherds, Iberdrola, and the sheep themselves.

In summary, Iberdrola’s “solar grazing” initiative represents a significant step towards circular economy practices in Portugal. By combining electricity production with the needs of the community, we are proud to spearhead an integrated approach to renewable energy development, ultimately fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for the future.

Media contact:

Tel: +34 91 784 32 32
comunicacioncorporativa@iberdrola.es

SOURCE: Iberdrola, S.A.