The Nufri group has begun deploying solar panels over fruit trees in Lleida, marking the first agrivoltaic plants in agricultural operations in the region. These installations, a significant step beyond previous experimental setups, will supply electricity to farms and protect trees by providing shade during excessive heat, according to Nufri.
A new solar plant is taking shape in Vilanova de Segrià, featuring an unusual design. Workers are constructing it among fruit trees, with solar panels mounted on a metal structure above the tree canopies. This is Nufri's first agrivoltaic plant in Lleida, with another similar project in Puiggròs awaiting final approval from the Generalitat.
These systems are designed to produce electricity for the farm's own consumption and to protect apple and pear production. The photovoltaic panels will be mobile, adjusting their orientation throughout the day to allow necessary sunlight to pass through or to cast shade during periods of intense heat. This will help regulate temperature and prevent adverse conditions such as thermal stress.
Agrivoltaics Expands in Lleida
Agrivoltaic technology is now moving into real agricultural operations in Lleida, following initial trials in experimental fields like those at the Institute of Agri-Food Research and Technology (IRTA) in Mollerussa. These installations share land for both energy and agricultural production, but their key feature is a partial sacrifice of energy generation potential to benefit the crops.
Nufri sources indicated that the plant under construction in Segrià and the one planned for Les Garrigues are part of the company's research and development projects. Outside Lleida, a third plant is planned on Nufri-owned land in Soria. Placing these plants within agricultural operations will allow for a comparison of the quality and quantity of production from trees under solar panels versus those in open air nearby.
Investment and Future Plans
The Vilanova de Segrià plant is located on land owned by Indulleida, where Nufri is the majority shareholder. The project includes 1,400 solar panels with a total power of 900 kW and will incorporate batteries for energy storage. This represents an investment of €1.4 million, as authorised by the Generalitat.
The planned plant in Puiggròs will be almost identical to the one in Vilanova de Segrià, requiring a slightly higher investment of €1.6 million. It has already received administrative and construction authorisation from the Generalitat and is only awaiting approval from the Urbanism Commission.
