MAPPING OF PHOTOVOLTAIC PLANTS AND POTENTIAL DISPLACEMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY

The study was commissioned to IRPET by the Managing Authority of the EAFRD and was carried out as part of the joint activities between IRPET and the aforementioned Managing Authority planned for 2024 (Activity No. 5.2024). It was carried out by ARCO (Action Research for CO-development) for IRPET’s ‘Production Sectors and Enterprises’ area, with the conception and design contribution of Marco Mariani and Sara Turchetti.

The authors of the report are: Federico Martellozzo (scientific coordinator, ARCO); Andrea Ferrannini (ARCO); Matteo Dalle Vaglie (ARCO); Leonardo Borsacchi (ARCO); Gabriele Feligioni (ARCO); Chiara Vita (ARCO). The editorial layout was edited by Elena Zangheri (IRPET).

The consumption of agricultural land for ground-mounted photovoltaic systems in Italy, accounting for 9.5% of the 4,000 hectares lost in 2023, has prompted also reflections in Tuscany, where the contribution was approximately 1%. This report examines the distribution of permits for large-scale systems in Tuscany, highlighting the impact of landscape constraints and regulations such as the DM “Aree Idonee” and the “Decreto Agricoltura”. Using a machine learning model, the report proposes scenarios for balanced planning that consider landscape protection, energy potential, and sustainable development, promoting integrated solutions and a place-based
approach. The proposed scenarios account for regulatory developments (notably minimum distances from landscape constraints) and energy needs, offering a province-level framework useful for regional policymakers.
Well-calibrated territorial energy planning, supported by effective local governance, will be essential to balance the adoption of photovoltaic and agrivoltaic solutions, ensuring a sustainable and harmonious energy transition.

Read the Report