Biodiversity and regeneration ecology for agrivoltaic systems in protected areas, Italia
Biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration are today key pillars of sustainable development and essential to achieving European environmental objectives. In this context, nature restoration becomes a strategic process, integrating scientific analysis, spatial planning and operational solutions.
With the integration of Greenwich, SOCOTEC introduces new services dedicated to biodiversity and environmental regeneration.
SOCOTEC and Greenwich support public and private entities through projects based on the principles of Regeneration Ecology, aimed at strengthening ecosystem resilience and generating long-term environmental value.
Key Information
- Project name : Biodiversity, Nature Restoration and Regeneration Ecology for an Advanced Agrivoltaic System in a Sensitive Area (Regional Natural Park, Protected Area)
- Date : February – September 2025
- Client : GSG DEVELOPMENT Srl
- Location : Cassano d’Adda (MI), Italy
Talk to our experts
Project Details
In the western Lombardy plain, within the municipality of Cassano d’Adda (MI), a new advanced agrivoltaic system is planned over an area of approximately 21 hectares, including the related connection works to the National Transmission Grid (RTN).
The project involves the installation of rows of metal frames with a north–south orientation, supporting approximately 12,358 adjustable photovoltaic panels rated at 660 Wp, for a total installed capacity of 8,156.28 kW.
The panel rows, belonging to the “Reinforced regular mount” typology, are arranged linearly across four plots, with a spacing of 7.0 m between rows and an average height of 3.0 m above ground level. Adequate clearance is ensured for agricultural machinery, both laterally and at the headlands, which are at least ten metres wide.
This layout guarantees sufficient space for agricultural activities as well as for ecosystem restoration and management interventions.
As the project site lies within a protected regional area, namely the Adda Nord Regional Park, the Park Authority and key local stakeholders (including the Municipality of Cassano d’Adda, the Metropolitan City of Milan and the Villoresi Canal Consortium) required particular attention to local biodiversity protection, the maintenance of ecological connectivity, and proper environmental and landscape integration.
Scope of Services
The project included the preparation of an integrated Environmental Report, together with the design of ecosystem reconstruction (habitat restoration) measures aimed at enhancing local biodiversity and mitigating landscape impacts.
Design solutions were developed through detailed landscape and territorial integration analyses, ensuring consistency with the environmental context and existing constraints.
A distinctive feature of the project was the development of a modular green design methodology, structured into six habitat restoration typologies, conceived according to the principles of Regeneration Ecology. This approach allows interventions to be tailored to the site’s specific ecological characteristics, promoting the natural regeneration of ecosystems over time.
The project was further complemented by a Green Maintenance Plan, a Screening for Appropriate Assessment, and consultancy support for the Agricultural Cultivation Plan, ensuring full compatibility with the proposed environmental measures.
SOCOTEC also managed relations with the Park Authority, supporting the client throughout the authorisation process for the advanced agrivoltaic system and its connection works to the National Transmission Grid (RTN).
Following in-depth assessments, the project was deemed not only fully compliant, but also recognised as a virtuous benchmark for future comparable projects by the Adda Nord Park Authority and the Landscape Commission of the Metropolitan City of Milan.
