A virtuous Ragusa model of energy transition at the centre of the first Circular Agroecology Forum organised in Ibla
On the occasion of Green Energy Day, Legambiente stopped in Ragusa to visit Serra Archimede, an innovative agricultural project that combines sustainable cultivation and clean energy production. The initiative was part of the programme of the first Circular Agroecology Forum, organised in the Aula Magna of the University Consortium of Ragusa.
Serra Archimede is a concrete example of how it is now possible to cultivate efficiently while respecting the environment, thanks to a system that reduces waste and uses the sun to produce energy. The structure, in fact, is equipped with photovoltaic panels that optimise sunlight, guaranteeing energy self-sufficiency and therefore agricultural production without environmental impact. Through 1 MWp of self-generated electricity, it is possible to obtain about 120 tonnes of agro-food products per year, in a completely sustainable system.
"We wanted to build a tangible example of what agroecology can become when it meets technological innovation," said Alberto Mangione, project manager. "Serra Archimede is the first piece of a replicable model, from Ragusa to the rest of the world, that combines clean energy, short supply chain and territorial protection.
Regran CEO Marco Anfuso also spoke during the visit: 'Our mission is to demonstrate that sustainability is not a cost, but an investment. Serra Archimede was created to be energy self-sufficient, thanks to the integration of agricultural production and solar energy. We are proud that this model is recognised by Legambiente as a good practice to be valorised'.
Anita Astuto, energy and climate manager of Legambiente Sicilia, explained the meaning of the visit: 'We chose to visit Serra Archimede because we want to speak to those who fear that renewable energy is a threat to agriculture. Not only is this not true, but today we have seen with our own eyes that it is possible to make agriculture and renewables coexist harmoniously. The agricultural world has many sustainable solutions at its disposal, and it is precisely from here that a new season of innovation and resilience can begin'.
The Circular Agroecology Forum continued throughout the day with discussion tables and thematic panels dedicated to agro-energy, the sustainability of natural resources and the protection of human rights in agricultural work.