In a pioneering move towards sustainable agriculture, Fri-El Green House, a leader in hydroponic vegetable cultivation, has embarked on a project to install a floating photovoltaic (PV) system. This innovative system aims to power its extensive 30-hectare greenhouse operations located in Ostellato, Ferrara. “A couple of months ago, we started installing a 3.5 Megawatt floating photovoltaic system in the rainwater reservoirs near our greenhouses. By integrating all the alternative sources of energy we have installed, we aim at being self-sufficient in our 30 hectares by 2026,” explains Florian Gostner, CEO of Fri-El Green House.
The floating PV system is designed to produce energy for essential greenhouse operations, including the warehouse cooling system, processing lines, irrigation pumps, and the LED lamps used during winter. This sustainable energy solution not only reduces the company’s carbon footprint but also supports its goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency.
Currently, Fri-El Green House is producing cucumbers and tomatoes. Sales manager Davide D’Ignoto elaborates, “We grow both oblong cucumbers weighing 350-400 grams and snack cucumbers around 40 grams each. For tomatoes, we cultivate cocktail, premium bunch, and mini-plum varieties.” These products are marketed under the H2Orto brand and are distributed extensively across Italy, as well as to major retail chains in Germany and Austria.
“Our products are all on high rotation. The abundant and varied offer that the market has presented this year must not be overlooked but, so far, our role has been growing in terms of both prices and volumes,” D’Ignoto notes. This growth reflects the company’s successful strategy in meeting the increasing demand for high-quality, sustainably produced vegetables.
Looking ahead, Fri-El Green House plans to utilize its greenhouses equipped with LED lights to continue growing tomatoes through the winter. “We will definitely carry out a few tests with, for example, eggplants, but we are still deciding,” adds D’Ignoto. This forward-thinking approach not only ensures year-round production but also explores the potential for diversifying their crop offerings.
By investing in a floating photovoltaic system and continuously innovating in greenhouse technology, Fri-El Green House sets a benchmark for sustainability and efficiency in modern agriculture. This commitment to green energy and advanced cultivation techniques positions the company as a leader in the sector, driving both environmental and economic benefits.
