Italian chocolate producer Ferrero Group has signed up to purchase solar power from 2 agrivoltaic facilities in Italy under a 10-year corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) signed with local renewables company Falck Renewables S.p.A.
Falck will supply clean energy from the 2 projects coming up in the Sicilian provinces of Ragusa and Trapani, representing a total capacity of 17.5 MW. Together both these projects are expected to produce 35 GWh of electricity annually.
The agrivoltaic projects will focus on the cultivation of native species and medicinal herbs.
Currently under development, Falck will seek authorization for the projects and build these with local specialized operators overseeing the agricultural activity. It added that once the solar power plants are decommissioned, the land will once again be used for agricultural purposes.
"We are proud that this agreement with Falck Renewables will lead to the construction of two plants following an integrated agrivoltaic philosophy in Italy, which will allow for the injection of additional green energy into the national grid," said Michele Ferro, Ferrero Chief Industrial and Supply Officer.
This deal is aligned with Ferraro Group's target to source 100% certified renewable electricity for its production facilities and cut down its GHG emissions by 50% from its operations by 2030.
Falck did not specify in its press statement announcing the agreement, but a Reuters report claimed the deal was a virtual PPA.
Recently, Canadian Solar signed a 10-year PPA for 12 MW PV capacity in Italy with Axpo Italia (see Long Term Solar PPA Signed For 12 MW Capacity In Italy).