Volkswagen has a new group of furry, unofficial workers taking up residence at one of its European plants. Now, 100 sheep are grazing on a solar power plant that powers the company's car plant in Poznan, Poland.
Volkswagen has a new group of furry, unofficial workers taking up residence at one of its European plants. Now, 100 sheep are grazing on a solar power plant that powers the company's car plant in Poznan, Poland.
The animals are part of research into agrovoltaics — a concept where agriculture and energy coexist in the same space in symbiosis, writes Engadget.
The research is led by the Poznań University of Life Sciences: scientists are studying how grazing affects animal welfare, biodiversity, soil quality, vegetation and local microclimate.
“Today, the photovoltaic plant provides much more than just clean electricity. It has also become a place that supports biodiversity, local agriculture and scientific research. The sheep grazing project proves that modern industry can work in harmony with nature,” said Marzena Pillich-Gronska, Director of Volkswagen Poznań.
Agrovoltaics has become an extremely promising direction for the energy industry, as it allows for dual use of land.
