EF Solare has always worked to be able to optimally integrate its plants with the surrounding area, creating strong and long-lasting relationships with local communities and always taking care of the impact on the environment and biodiversity.
PROTECTION OF BIODIVERSITY BY SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLES: SMART BEEHIVES IN EF SOLARE’S PHOTOVOLTAIC GREENHOUSES
The development of renewable energy is today an essential prerogative for achieving energy independence and, above all, for being able to achieve decarbonization goals while safeguarding the resources and well-being of our Planet as much as possible.
Photovoltaics plays a decisive role in the future of energy, which is why it is important today to support its growth, including through the development of innovative models such as agro-photovoltaics. On these EF Solare has dedicated, since its foundation, commitment, resources and investments creating a model that can guarantee value for both electricity and agricultural production.
EF Solare has always worked to be able to optimally integrate its plants with the surrounding area, creating strong and long-lasting relationships with local communities and always taking care of the impact on the environment and biodiversity. Indeed, the agro-photovoltaics developed by EF Solare also aspires to protect the biodiversity in the territories, so as to coexist virtuously in the territory where the Group operates.
On the occasion of World Bee Day, we want to talk about the project we are carrying out from the work of our agricultural partner Le Greenhouse. At our photovoltaic greenhouse complexes in Scalea and Orsomarso, there are smart beehives capable of monitoring bee activity. In particular, thanks to innovative technologies, also powered by small photovoltaic panels, it is possible to remotely monitor the weight of the hive, the variation in temperature, humidity and, consequently, the well-being of the bees themselves. In addition, through the use of specific sensors, it is also possible to study the pollination activity of the bees inside the greenhouses.
In order not to disturb the flight of bees, the treatments provided for the plants in the greenhouses are carried out during the twilight hours and have always included the use of organic products allowed according to the integrated production regulations.
In recent years, the parameters detected by analysis and monitoring of bee activities are positive and have confirmed a successful and virtuous coexistence between photovoltaic greenhouses and the outdoor habitat. This activity has also raised awareness year after year among a large number of workers who collaborate in the greenhouses, generating deep care and attention to this delicate natural balance that needs to be safeguarded.
Bees are responsible for about 70 percent of the pollination of all living plant species on the Planet and provide about 35 percent of global food production [Source: Ispra]. Today more than ever, it is therefore necessary to protect bees, which are threatened by climate change, in order to protect us and our own Planet.
EF Solare has always been committed to increasing the development of photovoltaics through innovative models that have made the Group a pioneer in the agro-photovoltaic sector. This attention to the future and to an increasingly integrated approach with the territories, communities and the environment is precisely what we wanted to bring to life together with Le Greenhouse in a technological and digital approach that can innovate agriculture, but always taking care to protect the delicate and precious balance created by nature for our own well-being.