Amidst the global transition to green energy and the drive to optimize production, the Volkswagen Poznań plant in Września, Poland, has implemented a creative and eco-friendly solution for grounds maintenance. Rather than relying on traditional gas or electric mowers, the facility's solar power station is now being grazed by a flock of roughly 100 Wielkopolska sheep.
Europe’s Premier Agrivoltaic Installation
The solar farm in Września is among the largest factory-based installations of its type in Europe. It covers approximately 27 hectares and comprises over 31,000 photovoltaic panels with a total output of 18.3 MW. This station generates a substantial portion of the power needed to run the plant.
Managing such an expansive area requires constant control of grass and weed growth. However, the use of heavy equipment could jeopardize the panel foundations and disturb the local environment. Sheep grazing—a practice already established in Western Europe—enables the animals to keep the vegetation in check without damaging infrastructure or requiring machinery.
Environmental Gains and Animal Welfare
Employing "living lawnmowers" brings a host of ecological benefits. Natural grazing eliminates exhaust fumes and cuts out the noise pollution that comes with mechanical mowing. It also helps to maintain and boost biodiversity across the site.
The sheep also thrive in this environment. The solar panels offer welcome shade during the heat of the day and act as a sturdy shield against the elements. The flock has constant access to fresh forage and plenty of room to move around.
“The animals have adapted remarkably well to their new environment,” explained Justyna Nowak-Gajek, owner of the flock from the Winna Góra sheepfold. “We can see the flock feels safe as the sheep separate into small groups and graze peacefully throughout the farm. This is the clearest evidence that they have settled in well, because a flock that feels threatened will always huddle together.”
A Focus for Scientific Research
The Września project is more than just a green maintenance solution; it has become one of Poland's most compelling examples of agrivoltaics—the synergy between farming and solar energy generation.
Scientists from the Poznań University of Life Sciences have taken a keen interest in the initiative. These specialists are investigating how agrivoltaics influences animal well-being, plant life, and the broader ecosystem. This is one of the nation's first such studies conducted on a large-scale solar site. The goal is to understand how merging renewable energy with agriculture impacts the environment, helping to shape best practices for future developments.
“Today, this solar farm provides far more than just electricity,” noted Marzena Pillich-Grońska, Director of the Volkswagen Poznań plant. “It is a hub for biodiversity, local farming, and scientific progress. We are proving that industrial operations can work in harmony with nature.”
Through this initiative, the Volkswagen plant demonstrates that even in large-scale manufacturing, it is possible to find innovative, balanced solutions that serve both the economy and the planet.
