Goodbye to machines: a German industrial giant hires 100 sheep to graze among the 31,000 panels of its massive solar plant
At a major solar-energy facility in Poland, a large flock of sheep has been brought in with a very specific mission.
Volkswagen and Quanta Energy are developing an agrivoltaic project in Poland that combines energy generation, livestock farming, and scientific research. A flock of 100 sheep is being used to manage vegetation at a major solar facility, while Poznań University researchers study the animals’ impact on biodiversity, soil quality, microclimate conditions, and animal welfare. The initiative comes at the same time the German automotive giant is preparing for significant workforce reductions.
Volkswagen Group has made a rather unusual series of hires. Instead of bringing on new employees or technical staff, the company has enlisted 100 sheep with a very specific mission: keeping vegetation under control beneath one of Europe’s largest industrial-scale solar installations. The agrivoltaic project is designed to combine renewable energy production, biodiversity protection, and scientific research.
An agrivoltaic project designed to combine renewable energy production, biodiversity protection, and scientific research
The project is being developed by Volkswagen Poznań in partnership with Quanta Energy at the company’s Września plant in Poland. With an installed capacity of 18.3 MW, the facility ranks among the largest industrial photovoltaic installations in Europe. Its output supplies roughly 25% of the annual electricity demand of Volkswagen’s manufacturing plant.
The project introduces an innovative approach by replacing mechanical grass cutting with managed grazing. The 100 sheep belong to the native Polish Wielkopolska breed and roam among more than 31,000 solar panels, keeping vegetation at the desired height without the need for specialized mowing equipment. The panels also provide shade and shelter from harsh weather conditions, creating a more comfortable environment for the animals.
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.