Volkswagen Replaces Lawnmowers with 100 Sheep at Poland Solar Farm
An innovative agrivoltaics project at the Volkswagen Poznań plant combines renewable energy, livestock, and scientific research to boost biodiversity.
Volkswagen has introduced an unusual, eco-friendly solution at its massive solar farm in Poznań, Poland. Instead of relying on traditional mechanical lawnmowers to maintain the vegetation beneath its 31,000 solar panels, the company has deployed a flock of 100 sheep. This initiative is part of the growing agrivoltaics movement, which focuses on dual-use land management, combining renewable energy production with agricultural practices.
The 18.3-megawatt solar farm, built and managed by Berlin-based Quanta Energy, plays a critical role in Volkswagen's renewable energy strategy. On sunny days, the installation generates enough power to meet the entire demand of the factory, where the company produces vehicles such as the VW e-Crafter. Over the course of a year, the solar site provides approximately 25% of the plant's total electricity needs, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the industrial facility.
Replacing industrial mowers with sheep eliminates the noise, fuel consumption, and emissions associated with mechanical equipment. According to flock owner Justyna Nowak-Gajek, the animals adapted quickly to their new surroundings. Researchers monitoring the flock noted that the sheep naturally divide into smaller groups to graze calmly, which is a clear sign that they feel secure and comfortable in their new environment.
Beyond simple maintenance, the site has become a large-scale research hub in partnership with the Poznań University of Life Sciences. Experts are studying the impact of agrivoltaics on animal welfare, biodiversity, soil quality, plant growth, and the microclimate created by the solar panels. Findings from this project are expected to help shape the design of future solar installations across Europe to better support both clean energy and farming.
Marzena Pillich-Grońska, Director of Volkswagen Poznań, stated that the solar farm has evolved into more than just an energy-generating site. It now actively supports biodiversity, local agriculture, and academic research. The sheep grazing project serves as a practical demonstration that modern industrial facilities can work in harmony with nature, successfully integrating commercial operations with ecological stewardship.