The Metropolitan City of Bologna is a partner in the European JETforCE project, developed within the framework of the Interreg Central Europe program. The project ensures that the ongoing energy transition develops in a fair, inclusive, and community-driven manner. JETforCE is structured around three key thematic areas for local communities, and APV (Agrophotovoltaics) is one of them. Therefore, APV represents a crucial element of JETforCE's overall strategy, as it integrates renewable energy production with agricultural land use.
In recent years, Emilia-Romagna has invested in the fields of energy and agriculture. One example of this investment is the Faenza Energy Park, a flagship project where 20,000 bifacial photovoltaic panels will be installed on 70 hectares of agricultural land. Unlike traditional solar power plants that take away land from agriculture, APV ensures that solar panels work in harmony with crops, creating a microclimate that can improve soil moisture, reduce heat stress, and even increase agricultural yields. The Faenza Energy Park alone will provide power to over 7,000 households per year, contributing to biodiversity protection and rural development.
The combined use of land for solar energy and agriculture is no longer just an experiment but a proven and scalable solution. APV enhances land-use efficiency, strengthens farmers' resilience, and supports climate action by reducing CO₂ emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Thanks to initiatives like JETforCE and the commitment of the Metropolitan City of Bologna, APV is set to become a key driver of regional and European energy strategies.