In recent years, we have gained extensive expertise in the field of agri-PV at the Bruck solar field energy park. With a new project that we were able to realize with a project partner in Western Styria, a plant is in operation that combines solar power production with sheep farming.
Agriculture designed and implemented for the future: With the commissioning of a modern agri-photovoltaic (agri-PV) system in combination with sheep farming, a flagship project that combines climate, energy and agricultural goals in a unique way is officially connected to the grid. The project is backed by Scherr Energie GmbH and Energiepark Bruck/Leitha, which operate this project with a joint company and intend to plan and implement others.
The Scherr family has been successfully running their innovative organic farm in Edelschrott for many years. Energiepark Bruck/Leitha, a strong and experienced partner for large-scale renewable energy projects, was brought on board to implement the idea of a PV system in combination with the sheep farm.
The new system uses state-of-the-art photovoltaic technology to efficiently convert solar energy into clean electricity – in parallel with the agricultural use of the land. Beneath the PV modules, sheep ensure natural and sustainable green space maintenance. This largely dispenses with the use of machinery or chemical cultivation, which has a positive impact on both biodiversity and the ecological footprint. The location of the plant is characterized by an optimal location: high above the fog line and thus cooler, excellent conditions are given for maximum electricity yield.
Advantages at a glance:
- Dual land use: electricity generation and agricultural cultivation at the same time
- Sustainable animal husbandry: sheep find shade, food and shelter under the solar modules
- Climate protection: annual CO₂ savings in the high tons range
- Regional added value: electricity production for around 1500 households in the surrounding area
“This project shows that the energy transition is not at odds with agriculture, but that both areas can grow together. We generate renewable energy, promote biodiversity and thus create a project with real added value”, emphasizes Scherr Energie GmbH Managing Director Michael Scherr, who developed the project together with his parents Hubert and Wilma Scherr, “we are very pleased that we can officially commission our Agri-PV system today and thus show that the multiple use of a field really works”.
Energiepark Bruck/Leitha was secured as a strong partner for the planning and implementation. “With our decades of experience in the field of renewable energy – the energy park was founded in 1995 and operates wind power plants, a biogas plant and a small hydropower plant in addition to agri-PV fields – we were able to successfully contribute our expertise to the Oberer Herzogberg project. Many thanks to the Scherr family for allowing us to implement and operate this pioneering project together. We look forward to many more joint projects!” says Michael Hannesschläger, Managing Director of Energiepark Bruck/Leitha, emphasizing the exemplary effect of the agri-PV plant and the excellent cooperation.
“In the market town of Edelschrott, we are always positive and very open to innovative projects. As mayor, I am very pleased that the Scherr family has initiated a great project here, which has a model effect far beyond our municipal boundaries and ensures the supply of clean solar power to Edelschrott,” says Mayor Georg Pressler, emphasizing the importance of the Oberer Herzogberg agri-PV plant.
With an installed capacity of 5.89 megawatt peak, the plant will supply around 1500 households with green electricity in future. At the same time, the area can still be used for agriculture and also provides protection and shade for the sheep under the panels.
The combination of agri-PV and sheep farming is considered a pioneering model for the future: it shows how renewable energy production and agriculture can work in partnership to help achieve climate targets.
