Acesur Begins Construction Of Industrial Scale Olivovoltaic Project In Spain
The 3.65 MW agrivoltaic installation in Jaén will power an olive oil packaging plant while allowing for continued agricultural production.
Olive oil producer Acesur has commenced construction on a 3.65 MW agrivoltaic project located in Vilches, in the Spanish province of Jaén. The installation is designed to integrate solar power generation directly into an existing, productive olive grove situated next to the company’s packaging facility. Renewable energy firm Greening is responsible for the project's development.
The system will utilize more than 5,150 solar modules mounted on metal structures elevated over 4 meters above the ground. These panels are supported by steel pillars set in concrete foundations, a configuration intended to provide sufficient clearance for agricultural machinery to perform standard farming tasks, including harvesting, beneath the array. The project also incorporates a 3 MWh battery energy storage system to enhance operational flexibility and energy optimization.
According to the company, the project follows successful validation phases that included bioclimatic simulations, laboratory testing, and a prototype installation in a rain-fed olive grove. Data from two harvests indicated that the presence of solar panels improved local microclimatic conditions by lowering soil temperatures and increasing moisture retention, which reportedly enhanced crop yields. All electricity generated by the site will be used for self-consumption at the Acesur packaging plant.
The initiative has received financial support from Spain’s Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE), which awarded a grant of €2.8 million. The company describes the Vilches site as the world’s first industrial-scale olivovoltaic installation, marking a transition from pilot testing to large-scale industrial application.
